A bridge built for reptiles and small animals

Photographs of animals killed or seriously injured in car collisions while passing through roads, parks and reserves are not uncommon today. Photographs of alternative methods used by various countries around the world to protect wildlife from such dangers can often be seen on social media. Meanwhile, reports from neighboring India indicate a remarkable move by wildlife officials to protect reptiles and small animals.

 

Wildlife officials in Uttarakhand, a mountainous state in India, have built a bridge to allow reptiles and small wildlife to cross a busy highway. The 90-foot-long "eco-friendly bridge" is made using of bamboo, coir rope and grass. Media reported that it was the only such bridge built in the world. On the way to Nainital, a popular tourist destination in the state, cars speed by and ride over many animals. Wildlife officials have taken steps to plant vines and grass on the bridge to bring the animals on top of the bridge as well as down from it. "Many reptiles and other animals crash into tourist cars on this highway, ”Chander Shaker, a wildlife official in the province spoke to the media.

 

 

Currently, the bridge is also a major tourist attraction. Many passers-by park their cars nearby to take photos and selfies. Wildlife officials hope they will soon be able to attract wildlife to the bridge as well. " This is a dense forest. Elephants, leopards, deers roam in this area. Drivers can see them from a distance and slow down or stop their cars. But they rarely do that to small animals like squirrels, snakes, lizards and tadpoles, ”a wildlife official told the Indian Express. Wildlife officials hope the bridge will help protect small animals and reptiles in this area as well as draw attention to them to cross the bridge safely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Kaushalya De Silva

Photo source : Internet