Study

Using clay drain seals to assess the use of dry culverts installed to allow mammals to pass under the A1 trunk road, Northumberland, England

  • Published source details Baker A., Knowles M. & Latham D. (2007) Using clay drain seals to assess the use of dry culverts installed to allow mammals to pass under the A1 trunk road, Northumberland, England. Conservation Evidence, 4, 77-80.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Install barrier fencing and underpasses along roads

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Install barrier fencing and underpasses along roads

    A study in 2007 along a road, in Northumberland, UK (Baker et al. 2007) found that three underpasses, with entrances fenced off from the road, were used by several species of small and medium-sized mammals to make crossings. Tracks were identified of western hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus, brown rat Rattus norvegicus, badger Meles meles and American mink Mustela vison. The number of underpasses used and frequency of use was not detailed in the paper. Underpasses, 0.6–0.9 m wide, were constructed in 2003–2006 along a 46-km stretch of road and were fenced off from the road. Mammal use was monitored in August–October 2007. Clay-based drain seals (45 × 45-cm surface and 0.5 cm thick), used as footprint pads, were placed at entrances to three dry culverts and checked weekly for footprints.

    (Summarised by: Rebecca K. Smith)

Output references
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