An increasing number of habitats are divided by traffic routes (roads, highways, railway lines). Wild animals in Switzerland, in particular, suffer from this, since Switzerland is one of the countries in Europe in which traffic routes are best developed.

In 1985, the environmental legislation was revised. Since then, traffic projects must be checked for their environmental compatibility. For large projects, for instance, routes must be changed so that plant and animal wildlife are not excessively impaired. In addition, underpasses for small mammals and 'green bridges' are built, on which grass, bushes and even forests grow.

'Green Bridges'

In Switzerland, there are by now almost a dozen 'green bridges'. The two largest are near Lake Constance. The 'Fuchswiese' near Kreuzlingen is 200 meters long and thus the largest European 'Ecoduct'. Stags, deer and wild boars make frequent use of the ecoduct, as night-time infrared controls have shown.

In addition, there are innumerable underpasses used by burrowing animals such as badgers, foxes and amphibians.

EU interested

Due to Switzerland’s role model status, delegates from other European countries often visit the country on informational visits. Recently a delegation from Finland visited Switzerland for this purpose, but particularly the Eastern European countries are showing interest. Hungary, for instance, where 500 kilometres of new highways are to be built during the next three years.

Experts demand an eco-bridge every 10 to 20 kms, which should be wide enough (at least 100 meters) so that the distance to traffic routes is large enough. This type of wildlife corridor costs only a small fraction of road-building costs.

- Sigrid De Leo

• Animals - from the Articles Index
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