Apparently, having a rich flora and fauna –among the most diverse in the world-, it is not enough for Costa Rica to have animal passageways on its roads.
An analysis from the Ombudsman pointed out the absence passageways for wildlife as “another road component.”
The entity had access to data that shows that in the first 3 months of this year, 12 ocelots were hit in highways such as Cañas-Liberia, San José-Limón, among others.
Crossing the road is a huge risk for these animals due to the possibility of being hit by vehicles. It even causes traffic accidents,”
cited a report issued by that Ombudsman’s Office.
Among the options proposed are: building overpasses, bridges or underpasses. These mechanisms are applied to guarantee the life of the animals that move along busy roads or highways that disrupt ecosystems. A recent example was the inclusion of these structures in various sections of the new road to San Carlos.
The information we got also enabled us to determine that ‘wildlife passageways’ must be considered in the construction of hydroelectric projects or water networks, as well as water transport, considering the possible effects on marine life, among others,”
warned the Ombudsman.
These plans should be included in the National Strategy of Biodiversity Adaptation to Climate Change (2015-2025) and the 2015-2030National Biodiversity Policy.
As part of the study, opportunities for dialogue were provided for the National Roads (CONAVI) and national universities professionals who are working with this issue.
A research by the University of Costa Rica (UCR) found that between 2012 and 2013 coatis, iguanas and foxes were more prone to die on national roads.