Multiuse Overpasses: Does Human Use Impact the Use by Wildlife?

摘要: In the highly fragmented landscapes of Netherlands, currently pressure both public and recreational interest groups intensifies to open up wildlife passages for co-use. The most frequently expressed request is allow hikers, bikers horseback riders pass across overpasses. objective this study was assess whether use overpasses by medium-sized large mammals affected such human authors chose two where co-use allowed – overpass Zanderij Crailoo Slabroek - monitored humans over one year. monitoring aimed primarily which species crossing structures, frequency crossings, behavior animals while crossing. results were compared with data on without elsewhere in country. Furthermore, studied there a correlation between as well time day that overpass. Crossings detected almost all mammal present areas around Crossing rates not necessarily lower For example, Roe deer passes more often than any other At Slabroek, however, higher number crossed less expected. Human potentially affects speed pass; trot or gallop at an closed humans. effect larger smaller Slabroek. No strong correlations, positive negative, found wildlife. However, some do tend later days high use. These help improve decision-making opening provide guidelines design structures. Recommendations further research are: (1) carry out experimental manipulated, (2) replicate sites, (3) extend animal groups, (4) repeat after five years, (5) conduct comparative studies increase base-line information, (6) similar underpasses