How Wildlife Use Existing Crossing Structures along Roads in the Laurentians: Light at the End of the Tunnel?

Roads and traffic subdivide wildlife habitats and increase the mortality of wild animals that try to cross due to collisions with vehicles. Wildlife crossing structures are costly, but an alternative may exist in structures that are already present under roads such as water culverts. It is unknown how often wildlife use such structures in the Laurentians. This project will install cameras on many of these structures and track-boxes near them to identify the species that use the structures and quantify their frequency of use. Statistical analysis of the data will help Éco-corridors laurentiens evaluate what future measures should be put in place to further reduce the negative impacts of roads on wildlife. This is very important in the Laurentians, as the road and highway being evaluated pose a threat to wildlife frequenting National Parks in the region.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jochen Jaeger

Student:

Partner:

Éco-corridors laurentiens

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Concordia University

Program: