I just learned about some exciting work which is happening in the western United States and Canada and in African countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola and Namibia.  Wildlife corridors, or animal bridges, are being created which allow animals such as elephants, lions, bears, and antelopes to safely travel from one land area to another.  This is very important because these animals need to be able to roam freely and travel on their ancient migration routes.  It is also necessary for genetic diversity and more importantly, for survival.  When animals are enclosed in small areas genetic diversity is compromised and often results in the dying out of a species.

With these new corridors, which often connect national parks, we can spare animals from being killed by cars on highway routes or shot by fearful humans.  The corridors look like tunnels or bridges and can be below or above highways.  How many times have you seen a dead animal lying on the ground because it was hit while it was trying to cross a heavily traveled road?

Animals need room to roam.  Author David Quammen stated it well, “we need to find ways in which people can live with wildlife and wildlife can live with people”.  And biologist Craig Packer said if we want to take these species in the future with us we need to take responsibility and assure their survival.  Please be an advocate for these wildlife corridors.  Animals need us as much as we need them.

For more information you can watch “Wild Ways” which was featured on the television series “Nova”.  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/wild-ways.html