- Wildlife corridors, also recognized as wildlife crossings or Eco Bridges, serve as connections between two extensive areas of similar wildlife habitat, fostering enhanced wildlife connectivity.
- These bridges play a vital role in linking wildlife populations that would otherwise be separated by human activities, structures like roads and highways, infrastructure development, logging, farming, and more.
- Eco Bridges are constructed using native vegetation, ensuring a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.
- Eco Bridges encompass various structures, including underpass tunnels, viaducts, and overpasses, designed primarily for large or herd-type animals.
- Additionally, there are features like amphibian tunnels, fish ladders, Canopy bridges tailored for monkeys and squirrels, as well as tunnels, culverts, and green roofs catering to smaller mammals like otters, hedgehogs, and badgers, butterflies, and birds, respectively.
- When constructing Eco Bridges, two critical considerations are size and location. These structures are strategically planned based on the movement patterns of the animals, aiming to create effective links between wildlife habitats.
ECO- BRIDGE IN INDIA
India has taken significant strides in wildlife conservation by implementing innovative initiatives such as the establishment of Eco Bridges, also known as wildlife crossings. Here are two notable examples:
India’s First Eco Bridge in Telangana:
- This Eco Bridge is specifically designed for facilitating tiger movement and serves as a corridor connecting the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra with the forests in Telangana’s Kumram Bheem Asifabad district.
- By creating a link between these two crucial wildlife habitats, the Eco Bridge aims to enhance tiger connectivity, allowing these majestic animals to move freely across the landscape. This initiative is a vital step in conserving tiger populations and preserving their natural migration routes.
Uttrakhand Eco Bridge for Small Animals and Reptiles:
- This Eco Bridge in Uttarakhand is designed to cater specifically to the needs of small animals and reptiles.
- Recognizing the significance of biodiversity conservation, this bridge focuses on providing a safe passage for smaller wildlife, including reptiles and other fauna. It contributes to maintaining ecological balance and preserving the diverse range of species inhabiting the region.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ECO- BRIDGE
The significance of Eco Bridges in biodiversity management is profound and multifaceted:
Enhanced Pollination and Plant Dispersion:
- By facilitating wildlife movement across expressways and connecting nature reserves, Eco Bridges significantly increase the chances of pollination and dispersion of rare native plants.
- This contributes to the genetic diversity of plant species and helps maintain a healthy and robust plant population.
Prevention of Genetic Isolation:
- Eco Bridges play a crucial role in preventing genetic isolation of fragmented flora and fauna populations.
- By encouraging wildlife interaction and movement between once-separated forests, these bridges effectively expand habitat, mating, and foraging ranges, promoting genetic diversity within populations.
Improved Safety and Habitat Reconnection:
- Providing crossing infrastructure at key points along transportation corridors enhances safety for both wildlife and humans.
- Eco Bridges reconnect habitats that may have been fragmented by human activities, such as roads, and restore natural wildlife movement patterns.
Reduction of Inbreeding:
- Eco Bridges foster greater interaction between individuals of the same species, leading to a healthy exchange of genetic materials.
- This reduction in genetic isolation lowers the occurrence of inbreeding, a phenomenon detrimental to the health and adaptability of species.
Long-Term Survival of Native Species:
- The increased genetic diversity resulting from Eco Bridges contributes to the long-term survival of native species.
- By mitigating the negative effects of inbreeding and expanding the ecological connectivity of habitats, these bridges support the resilience and adaptability of wildlife populations.
Several noteworthy Eco Bridge projects are underway in India, contributing to animal conservation and habitat connectivity:
Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra Border Underpass:
- Currently under construction, this Eco Bridge is set to become one of the largest underpasses in India, spanning 1.4 kilometers.
- Located along the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra border, it aims to facilitate animal movement and conservation in the region.
Chennai-Bangalore National Highway – Elephant Crossings:
- Proposals include the implementation of Eco Bridges along the Chennai-Bangalore National Highway, specifically in the segment near Hosur and Krishnagiri.
- These bridges are designed to address the needs of elephants, allowing them to safely cross the highway and ensuring habitat connectivity.
FAQs – Wildlife Corridors and Eco Bridges
1. What is the purpose of Wildlife Corridors or Eco Bridges?
A: Wildlife corridors, also known as Eco Bridges, serve as connections between distinct wildlife habitats, facilitating enhanced wildlife connectivity. They play a crucial role in linking populations that would otherwise be separated by human activities, structures, and development.
2. How are Eco Bridges constructed?
A: Eco Bridges are constructed using native vegetation, ensuring they seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape. The use of native plants provides a contiguous look, maintaining harmony with the natural environment.
3. What structures do Eco Bridges encompass?
A: Eco Bridges include various structures such as underpass tunnels, viaducts, overpasses, amphibian tunnels, fish ladders, Canopy bridges for monkeys and squirrels, as well as tunnels, culverts, and green roofs catering to smaller mammals, butterflies, and birds.
4. What considerations are crucial in building Eco Bridges?
A: The two main considerations in constructing Eco Bridges are size and location. These structures are strategically planned based on the movement patterns of animals, aiming to create effective links between wildlife habitats.
5. Could you provide examples of Eco Bridges in India?
A: Two notable examples include India’s First Eco Bridge in Telangana, facilitating tiger movement between Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Telangana’s forests. Another is the Eco Bridge in Uttarakhand, designed for small animals and reptiles.
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