An animal crossing is an installation constructed to make it possible for animals to pass over or under roads, railway lines and canals. Tunnels under the road are recommended for small amphibians and ecoducts are recommended for larger animals. Ecoducts are structures built over a road/railway to connect areas of nature. Their surfaces are covered with soil so that vegetation can be established. They are fenced to prevent the animals falling down into the road/railway. The road/railway is also fenced to guide the animals to the ecoduct. Animal crossings allow daily foraging and migration and prevent inbreeding. It is essential to decide what is the principal purpose of the crossing and to choose the location with great care. Most animals want to be able to see the end of a tunnel. The number of animal crossings in Europe is increasing. A European project, COST 341 'Habitat Fragmentation due to Linear Transportation Infrastructure' was conducted to evaluate the need for animal crossings.
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