Topics Covered: Conservation related issues.
Building bridges in the forest, to help wildlife:
Context:
Ramnagar Forest Division in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, recently built its first eco-bridge for reptiles and smaller mammals.
Examples of eco-bridges:
These include canopy bridges (usually for monkeys, squirrels and other arboreal species); concrete underpasses or overpass tunnels or viaducts (usually for larger animals); and amphibian tunnels or culverts. Usually these bridges are overlaid with planting from the area to give it a contiguous look with the landscape.
Why eco-bridges matter?
They enhance wildlife connectivity that can be disrupted because of highways or logging.
Many road projects cut across animal corridors. For example, National Highway 37 through the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape in Assam, and State Highway 33 through the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- What are eco- bridges?
- Types.
- First such eco-bridge in India.
- Recently inaugurated such bridge.
Mains Link:
Discuss the significance of such bridges.
Sources: Indian Express.
