#Oregon #ecologist on state’s efforts to create safe #WildlifeCorridors over busy #roadways

By Malya Fass (OPB)
Jan. 7, 2026 11:38 a.m.

Image: "This undated artist's rendering from the Oregon Department of Transportation shows the design of an overpass crossing for wildlife spanning above four lanes of traffic on I-5, looking southwest. ODOT is expected to begin construction on the crossing in 2028 in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, less than two miles north of the California border."

"The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates 14.5 million wild vertebrate animals are killed on Oregon’s roadways each year. Data shows it’s difficult to control driver behavior with things like road signs and traffic regulations. A more effective way to mitigate animal fatalities is by redirecting the animals themselves.

"#WildlifeCrossings — human-made structures that allow animals to safely pass through habitats near roadways — have been a successful tool in preventing animal-motor fatalities. States like #Montana, #Colorado and #California have over 100 wildlife crossings, while Oregon has only six.

"Rachel Wheat is a spatial ecologist who serves as the wildlife connectivity coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. She joins us to discuss her work and tactics for improving transportation infrastructure for wildlife in Oregon."

Learn more:
https://www.opb.org/article/2026/01/07/wildlife-corridors-oregon/

#SolarPunkSunday #OregonPublicBroadcasting #Nature #WildlifeConservation #NatureCorridors #Roadkill #Highways #GreenSpace

#UK - How #WildlifeCorridors Are Helping Animals Survive In #Urban Areas

By Sarah Whitmore / 20 May 2025

Excerpt: "How animals actually use these corridors

"Let’s take #hedgehogs. Urban hedgehog populations are declining sharply — partly because their ability to roam has been limited by garden fences, walls, and roads. A hedgehog might need to travel over a kilometre in a single night to find enough food and a mate. The Hedgehog Street campaign has shown that something as simple as a 13 cm hole in a garden fence can turn a neighbourhood into a habitat network.

"#Bats, which are legally protected in the UK, rely on uninterrupted linear features like tree rows and waterways to navigate. When gaps appear in these features — from tree removal, #LightPollution, or #development — their movement is disrupted. Creating corridors that link #roosting sites with feeding grounds can dramatically increase their chances of survival.

"#Amphibians, especially species like common toads, face seasonal danger when crossing roads to reach breeding ponds. #UnderRoadTunnels and #AmphibianFriendly #drainage routes, used in projects supported by organisations like #Froglife, have proven successful at reducing #roadkill and supporting local populations.

"#Pollinators like #bees and #butterflies also benefit immensely from corridors. Isolated #wildflower patches can’t support long-distance foraging. But when these patches are linked — even via #roadside verges or #SchoolGardens — insects can move more freely and establish healthier, more resilient populations."

Read more:
https://thenaturenetwork.co.uk/how-wildlife-corridors-are-helping-animals-survive-in-urban-areas/

#SolarPunkSunday #RewildTheNight #UrbanSprawl #Development #Nature #WildlifeCorridor #UrbanRewilding #NatureCorridors #NatureCrossings #Wildflowers #GardeningForPollinators