Overcoming the barrier effect of roads: how effective are mitigation strategies? An international review of the use and effectiveness of underpasses and overpasses designed to increase the permeability of roads for wildlife

摘要: In this paper the use and effectiveness of wildlife crossing structures (e.g. tunnels, culverts, overpasses) is evaluated by reviewing studies published in refereed scientific literature, conference proceedings consultant reports. We rigour methodology studies, extent to which demonstrated an increase permeability, detail included reporting population, community ecosystem effects were shown. One hundred twenty three reviewed all except two found effect at level individual animal. The rigour, amount replication description adjacent habitat animal populations varied considerably among many cases limiting inference that could be made. context evaluation, we propose a clear distinction made between "use" "effectiveness" structure. long-term success mitigation will ultimately depend on their - i.e. what have they mitigated barrier roads has prevented local extinction due road effects? next phase research must focus more explicitly quantifying effectiveness, relative location- species-specific goals.