Promoting the Ability of Sensitive Reptiles and Amphibians to Cross Highway Corridors
Focus Area
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Subcommittee
Natural Resources
Status
Archived
Cost
Unknown
Timeframe
Unknown
Research Idea Scope
More than 25 amphibians and reptiles are listed as threatened or endangered in California. Highways pose movement barriers for many these species. As California’s human population increases and climate changes additional stress will be placed on existing populations. Reptiles and amphibians will need to cross highway corridors to maintain their populations as their ranges shift. This preliminary investigation would provide needed information on the interaction between sensitive reptiles and amphibians and highways, identify possible best practices for implementation, and identify what additional information needs to be developed to insure compliance with law and policy while expanding the highway system.
Urgency and Payoff
Better compliance with the Endangered Species Acts and cooperation with the California Wildlife Action Plan leading to quicker transportation project delivery as human population increases and climate changes.
Submitted
08/03/2010