ANIMAL-PATHWAY RESEARCH SOCIETY ANIMAL-PATHWAY RESEARCH SOCIETY

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アニマルパスウェイ研究会

ANIMAL-PATHWAY RESEARCH SOCIETY

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Examples from Around the World

Domestic and International Similar Examples

Bridges and passageways created for animals similar to animal pathways from both domestic and international locations.

Projects Involving Research Society Members

  • Yamane Bridge

    A bridge built in Kiyosato Kogen, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, for arboreal animals. The Japanese Dormouse Conservation Research Group participated in the project. While the utilization of Japanese dormice and other wild birds was confirmed, the high cost (approximately 20 million yen) has limited its widespread implementation.

  • Eco Bridge

    A bridge for squirrel conservation constructed within the residential area "Pastoral Byu Katsuradai" in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Constructed by Shimizu Corporation.

Other Projects

  • Bridge for Ezo Flying Squirrels

    A project carried out by Professor Yanagawa from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine and the Obihiro Development and Construction Department. As flying squirrels glide to move, two steel columns were placed on opposite sides of the road, creating a bridge.

  • Bridge for Orangutans

    A project in Southeast Asia, specifically in the tropical rainforests of Borneo, involving universities, corporations, zoos, and artists. Due to deforestation caused by oil palm plantation conversion, the forest has become sparse, affecting orangutans that rely on branch-to-branch movement. Efforts are being made to construct bridges using discarded fire hoses, enabling orangutans to cross rivers, considering their aversion to water.

  • Initiatives in the UK

    News articles on bridges for dormice.

  • Initiatives in Canada

    Bridges installed within Banff National Park for the utilization of wildlife such as bears, wolves, and deer have been confirmed.

  • Freedom to Roam

    A corridor conservation plan conducted by outdoor gear manufacturer Patagonia and others. The Japan branch is also focusing on environmental conservation activities in river basins.

Detailed Information

Yamane Bridge is a bridge for wildlife that was constructed with full cooperation from the Japanese Dormouse Conservation Research Group. Although its scale was significant, it did not gain widespread adoption, but much of its expertise has been inherited by animal pathways.

It is located along the way when crossing the Kiyosato Ohashi Bridge on Prefectural Route 28, heading towards Kiyosato Station.

When forests are fragmented, it reduces opportunities for animals to obtain food and breeding, leading to a decline and extinction of endangered species in the area. Additionally, even within the same species, the diversity of genes is lost, resulting in genetic degradation. Animal pathways are necessary for arboreal animals to safely cross roads and railways and utilize fragmented forests as a whole.

Forest Fragmentation due to Construction

In 1998, a tunnel was constructed on a prefectural road in Kiyosato, Takane-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, resulting in the felling and fragmentation of a part of the surrounding forest. This forest is home to various wildlife, including the Japanese dormouse, which is designated as a quasi-endangered species on the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List.

Completed Yamane Bridge

As part of the conservation measures, the Japanese Dormouse Conservation Research Group proposed the construction of the “Yamane Bridge” to Yamanashi Prefecture, and it was realized with the purpose of serving as road signage as well. The bridge is made of sturdy steel construction, and its interior is spacious enough for a person to walk through while stooped.

Innovations for Animals and Results

After installation, surveys of nest boxes within the bridge and photographic monitoring using cameras confirmed the utilization of the bridge by animals.