ReconectA
Protecting tree-dwelling species from the dangers of roads in the Brazilian Amazon
By Tom Barton
Summary
Vehicles kill around 475 million animals on Brazil’s roads each year. They also separate key habitats and prevent species from moving freely.ReconectA builds canopy bridges across roads in the Waimiri-Atroari indigenous territory. These bridges allow key species to cross roads safely.ReconectA works closely with the indigenous community, whose local knowledge is crucial for identifying the best locations for these bridges.ReconectA has built and installed 30 canopy bridges at 15 locations throughout the Waimiri-Atroari Indigenous Territory.
Brazil has over 1.7 million kilometres of roads—enough to circle the Earth forty times. Many of these roads cut directly through the Amazon rainforest, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.
Unfortunately, most were built before environmental protection laws were in place, with little consideration for the wildlife that inhabits these areas.
When an animal—whether a rodent, monkey, or jaguar—encounters a road, it faces two equally dangerous options; cross or turn back.
The dangers of the first option are obvious - animal-vehicle collisions.
It’s estimated that 475 million wild animals are killed on Brazil's roads each year. These deaths are not only devastating for wildlife but also pose serious risks to human life. In São Paulo state alone, wildlife-vehicle collisions cause an average of 22 human fatalities per year. The financial cost is significant as well—these accidents cost the state 56 million Brazilian Reals (EUR 9 million) in damages and medical expenses annually.
While the second option - turning back - might seem like a safer alternative, that’s not necessarily the case. Animal species that consistently avoid crossing roads can face long-term consequences like population isolation and genetic decline. While less visible, these outcomes can be just as harmful to species' survival as roadkill.
ReconectA has developed a solution to reduce roadkill and preserve wildlife around Brazil’s roads. Their initiative focuses on constructing canopy bridges across roads, specifically designed for tree-dwelling or ‘arboreal’ species.
The ReconectA team works closely with the indigenous Waimiri-Atroari community, whose deep knowledge of the forest is crucial in identifying the best locations for these bridges. Community leaders help select sites based on animal-vehicle collision rates and sightings of endangered or declining species.
ReconectA is currently trialling two different bridge designs, allowing researchers to evaluate which model is most effective for different species. The bridges are built using materials that are both low-cost and locally available. This helps the projects to stay within budget and increases the likelihood that they can be replicated in other regions. Additionally, each canopy bridge is monitored with camera traps that allow researchers to compare the effectiveness of the two designs.
As of September 2024, ReconnectA has built and installed 30 canopy bridges at 15 locations within the Waimiri-Atroari Indigenous Territory. The results are promising—over 18 mammal species have been recorded using the bridges, including at least 8 species that are currently in decline.
ReconectA offers important lessons for conservationists and road planners. The success of this project highlights the value of partnering with indigenous communities, whose local knowledge and experience are valuable for effective conservation strategies. ReconnectA also demonstrates that with thoughtful planning and investment, roads and wildlife can coexist. Road planners and authorities can look to this project as a model for integrating wildlife conservation into infrastructure development.