Improving the ecological transparency of major transport infrastructures. The case of the Sanef group's highway network

Abstract

Major transport infrastructures affect landscape connectivity and lead to implement mitigation measures such as wildlife crossings. We propose in this study a methodological framework applied to a large highway network in the North of France that allows to identify i) existing road structures to be improved as a priority through an ecological functionality index, and ii) favorable locations to create new wildlife crossing regarding habitat connectivity gains. We implemented a multispecies approach using 9 characteristic species included in the French list for national consistency of the green and blue corridor, defined by the French National Museum of Natural History, and grouped from their habitat preferences. The originality of this study lies in the identification of existing road structures to be improved and new wildlife crossings to be created to improve ecological continuity, but above all by the combining of a modeling approach and operational expertise to specify technical details. This innovative study for operational purposes was a useful tool to support decision-making of land-use planning stakeholders which want to improve the crossing of transport infrastructure by wildlife.