Research
Making scientific research accessible
Here you’ll find easy-to-read summaries of scientifically rigorous, evidence-based and peer-reviewed publications from around the world to help you better plan, build and manage ecologically sustainable linear infrastructure.
Research summaries are listed chronologically according to when they were published here. To find information on a specific topic, please use the SEARCH function and search by keywords, including topic, species, location and/or author.
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Wolves and Prey Species use Green Bridges to cross over Busy Highway in Germany
Wolves are recolonizing many parts of central Europe, which often requires them to cross roads to reach new habitats and territories. We found that green bridges (also known as land bridges) are used by wolves and by their prey, and reduce the risk that wolves are involved in wildlife-vehicle collisions.
An under-road tunnel and fence system supports population increases of the Great Crested Newt in England
We used custom-built cameras and image recognition software to evaluate the use and effectiveness of a tunnel and fence system for amphibians at a road mitigation site in England. Over four years, we found high rates of use of the tunnels, no roadkill, colonisation of newly-built ponds and a substantial increase in the population size of several species, including the nationally protected Great Crested Newt.
Power line corridors put the brakes on the extinction of plants in declining semi-natural grassland habitats
The extensive loss of semi-natural grassland habitats has led to a dramatic decline of plant and insect species that live in these habitats, but in landscapes with power line corridors the loss of plant species seems to be slower. Currently, neither road verges nor power line corridors are intentionally managed to enhance biodiversity, which makes them an invaluable resource for conservation if we were to manage their extensive area for this purpose.
Could roads be simplifying bird communities?
Great Britain has seen traffic levels increase while bird species are declining but there is limited understanding about this link. This study assessed the spatial associations between roads and birds across Britain.
Roads Threaten Millions of Birds and Mammals in Europe Each Year
Around ~194 million birds and ~29 million mammals could be killed each year on European roads, and some species are particularly vulnerable to additional mortality even with low rates of roadkill.
Arboreal Bridge Trial for Hazel Dormice
The Hazel Dormouse is an arboreal mammal in Europe that are reluctant to cross at ground level. This study examines a bridge crossing structure, which shows its effectiveness for dormice in the UK.