As human infrastructure expands, wildlife faces increasing challenges in navigating their natural habitats. Safety corridors for animals—also known as wildlife corridors—are designed to mitigate these impacts by allowing animals to safely traverse roads, railways, and other barriers. These corridors are vital for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of countless species.

What Are Safety Corridors for Animals?

Safety corridors are specially designed pathways that help wildlife move freely and safely across fragmented landscapes. These corridors can take various forms, such as overpasses, underpasses, or tunnels, often complemented by fencing to guide animals toward these safe crossings. They connect isolated habitats, enabling species to migrate, find food, and mate without encountering deadly obstacles like busy highways.

Where Are They Found?

Wildlife corridors exist worldwide, with notable examples in North America, Europe, and Asia. In Canada, the Banff Wildlife Crossings have successfully reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions by over 80%. In the Netherlands, ecoducts span highways and railways to support species like deer and wild boar. India has implemented elephant corridors to reduce human-elephant conflicts, while Australia uses rope bridges and tunnels for koalas and possums.

How Effective Are They?

Studies show that safety corridors significantly reduce wildlife mortality and improve habitat connectivity. For instance, in the United States, animal-related collisions decreased dramatically in areas with established corridors. Beyond safety, these pathways help maintain genetic diversity by preventing inbreeding in isolated populations.

The Hedgehog Movement in the UK

In the UK, the hedgehog movement highlights the importance of smaller-scale corridors. Advocates have encouraged homeowners to create “hedgehog highways” by cutting holes in fences, enabling these beloved creatures to roam freely between gardens. This grassroots initiative exemplifies how safety corridors can thrive at all scales.

By fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife, safety corridors pave the way for a more sustainable future.