Solutions of Decreasing the Ecological Effects of Forest Roads

Roads have direct and indirect ecological effects on population, species and ecosystems of wildlife, plants and water. Distribution of road density in forest make wildlife habitat fragmented and ecosystem isolated. So, wildlife habitat is divided into smaller patches and species may be overthrow. Nowadays, through population viability analysis (PVA), pattern of wildlife movement to reach viable population is evaluated and suitable places for de-fragmentation operations and establishing stable habitat network is recognized. After the estimating of ecological benefits rate for de-fragmentation (Commonly is defined as the number of reproductive units per area or RU) in each of these places, the places of de-fragmentation operations are prioritized. Most important structures which are used to cross wildlife from road width and habitat de-fragmentation are under crossing and over crossing. Reducing the width of road corridor in valuable habitat, mounting fence in boundary between road and forest, diverting traffic volume to other routes, building roads with lower degrees near the water bodies and mounting symbols at the edge of road are the other solutions of decreasing ecological effects of road in natural ecosystems.