The LIFE SAFE CROSSING project continues to implement mitigation measures to reduce the road-kill risk by large carnivores, and other wildlife species, in four regions of Europe: Majella and Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise national parks in Italy, Transylvania, Romania, northern Greece and Andalusia, Spain. Among the measures applied are the installation of fences and the adaptation of drains and overpasses or underpasses to roads in operation, so that they can be used as passages through which wildlife can cross the road without risks. This video documents the crossing of brown bear and wolf through these wildlife passages https://youtu.be/L67AWc0Ppu8
In addition, signs with wildlife detectors are installed in conflictive sections of roads. These devices alert drivers by means of signals with specific messages that are only activated when an animal is detected near the road. If the speed of the vehicle is not reduced, they activate an audible alert to scare away the animals. Pilot tests are being carried out to determine whether “virtual barrier” devices are effective, which are installed on poles on the margins of roads and emit light and sound when activated by the headlights of approaching cars.
MINUARTIA is a partner of the project. It carries out the tasks of identifying roadkill hotspots, providing advice and preparing guides for the adaptation of wildlife crossings and other measures to reduce the risk of wildlife collisions. The LIFE project, co-financed by the European Union, has the participation of 13 organizations, including several road operating companies.
The results obtained in the development of the LIFE SAFE CROSSING project will be presented at the Final Conference that will take place in Sulmona (Italy) on 17 and 18 May. More information is available at: https://life.safe-crossing.eu
