Road barrier effect

Both existing roads and the construction of new highways act as barriers for many species, fragmenting the surrounding habitat to such a degree that connectivity, or the ability for an animal to travel to all areas of its home range, is made practically impossible.

[2] Generally, animals with a higher vagility, or ability to travel long distances, are more severely impacted by roads compared to species with smaller home ranges.

While very few studies have analyzed the effect of railways on animal movement, their presence across landscapes in most areas of the world suggests that they likely pose a significant barrier for many species.

Most studies relating to this sub-field focus on animal use of drainage culverts underneath railway networks.

[6] The reduction in noise coming from the highway is assumed to make the road surface less intimidating for animals, potentially allowing crossings to take place.