New Perspectives in Science Education
Coexistence of Wildlife Corridors and Linear Infra-structure in the State of Maharashtra, India: A GIS perspective
Sunayana Sarkar, Assistant ProfessornDepartment of Civil EngineeringnMukesh Patel School of Technology Management and EngineeringnNMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Mumbai, India (India)
Shrutii Uphale, Student Department of Civil Engineering Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Mumbai, India (India)
Abstract
Abstract:
Animal corridors are natural and thematic linear terrain components that are invisibly and inherently mapped by fauna that use them. In decreasing the impact of habitat segregation, these corridors play a critical role in supporting healthy wildlife populations. It has been seen globally that natural wildlife corridors are endangered by large-scale human activities such as new settlements or linear and transverse civil infrastructure development (Asari et al., 2020). The first nine specialized and dedicated Wildlife Underpass (WUP) constructions have been incorporated into NH-7/44, which runs through Kanha and Pench Wildlife Sanctuaries in the state of Maharashtra, India (Pariwakam et al., 2018). The design options and approaches for a specific wildlife crossing are important and unique to the geographical area and geological makeup (Simpson et al., 2016). This paper focuses on GIS mapping of cross-cutting "lineations," such as highways and animal corridors, as well as associated parameters used to design these structures, based on prevalent biodiversity that would be expected to use these structures, the geomorphological, structural, and lithological characteristics of the corridors and linear infrastructure and the region's groundwater situation. Both WUP and WOP case studies have followed these guidelines and provide a holistic understanding of site selection based on RMR (Rock Mass Characterization) values, topography, and animal usage patterns as a valuable tool for ecological preservation and planning. In order to provide a safe and secure route for the animals, the design's structure should be as natural and realistic to the surrounding ecosystem as feasible.
Keywords:
Animal corridors, Linear Infrastructure, Maharashtra, Wildlife Overpass, Wildlife Underpass
References:
- Asari, Y., Noro, M., Yamada, Y., & Maruyama, R. (2020). Overpasses intended for human use can be crossed by middle and large-size mammals. Landscape and Ecological Engineering, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-019-00396-5
- Pariwakam, M., Joshi, A., Navgire, S., Vaidyanathan Volume, S., & Vaidyanathan, S. (2018). A Policy Framework for Connectivity Conservation and Smart Green Linear Infrastructure; Development in the Central Indian and Eastern Ghats Tiger Landscape (Vol. 1) www.wildlifeconservationtrust.org
- Simpson, N. O., Stewart, K. M., Schroeder, C., Cox, M., Huebner, K., & Wasley, T. (2016). Overpasses and underpasses: Effectiveness of crossing structures for migratory ungulates. Journal of Wildlife Management, 80(8). https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.21132
