Language: English
Animals and roads deals with conflicts between nature conservation and the development of transportation infrastructure. Using examples from Poland and elsewhere, the authors show how the negative impact of roads and railways on animal populations and their habitats can be minimised or mitigated. Poland is one of very few European countries that still have extensive natural habitats and vital populations of rare animals, including big charismatic mammals such as European bison, moose, brown bear, wolf, and lynx.
The authors' goal is to provide basic knowledge on interactions between roads, railways, and wildlife, and help make good decisions on road location and mitigation measures. Animals and roads is recommended for readers from institutions and organizations dealing with nature conservation, land-use management and planning, as well as road and railway investors and designers. It will also be useful as educational material for teachers and students of biology, environmental conservation, forestry, wildlife management, and related disciplines.
1. Introduction 7
2. Space and movements in the life of animals 9
3. Movement and dispersal corridors of animals 16
4. Impact of roads on animals 30
5. Protection of animal populations against the negative influence of roads 43
6. Animal crossing structures - wildlife passages 46
7. Legal aspects of protecting wildlife against adverse effects of road and railway infrastructure 83
8. Literature 91