Article evaluation

edit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perbrinckia_glabra

This article could use a picture of the Perbrinckia glabra.

Proper citation of the IUCN Red List is needed, in particular when referencing the crab's status as critically endangered.

The article would benefit from a more in-depth description of both the crab and the single location in which it is found.

In the talk page, no discussion has been initiated. There are two blurbs stating that this article is connected with the Sri-Lanka Wikiproject, as well as the arthropods Wikiproject.

I would re-phrase the sentence " The site is around Walawe Basin in Horton Plains" to better explain that this site is the only place where the crab is found.

Add to an article

edit

I edited some parts of the Perbrinckia glabra article.

I couldn't add an image, as you're only allowed to upload images owned by you.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrier_effect

Barrier effect (road ecology)

edit

The barrier effect is a phenomenon usually associated with landscape ecology, referring to the barrier that linear infrastructure like roads or railways place on the movement of animals. Largely viewed as a negative process, the barrier effect has also been found to have several positive effects, particularly with smaller species [1]. To reduce a road or railway's barrier effect, wildlife crossings are regarded as one of the best mitigation options, ideally in combination with wildlife fencing[2]. The barrier effect is closely linked to habitat fragmentation and road ecology.

 
Highway 10 in Quebec, Canada

Effects on wildlife

edit

Negative effects

edit

Roads

edit

Both existing roads and the construction of new highways act as barriers for many species, fragmenting the surrounding habitat to such a degree that connectivity, or the ability for an animal to travel to all areas of its home range, is made practically impossible [3]. Generally, animals with a higher vagility, or ability to travel long distances, are more severely impacted by roads compared to species with smaller home ranges.

Railways

edit

While very few studies have analyzed the effect of railways on animal movement, their presence across landscapes in most areas of the world suggests that they likely pose a significant barrier for many species. Most studies relating to this sub-field focus on animal use of drainage culverts underneath railway networks. For example, Rodriguez et al. (1996) found that nearly 80% of culverts in their study received visits by both mammals and reptiles [4].

Land-use types

edit

Although few studies have analyzed the effect of land type on animal movement, those that exist have found man-made clearings and agricultural land to be strong barriers for many species who may only travel within forested landscapes [5].

Positive effects

edit

12% of studies analyzing the effects of roads on animals have found positive effects, indicating that some species benefit from the presence of roads [6]. The predation release hypothesis, suggesting that roads may indirectly cause increases in abundances of animals whose predators are negatively affected by roads[7], is often attributed to most positive effects of roads on animals.

Mitigation measures

edit

Driver behavior

edit

Studies have found that reducing the speed at which drivers travel along the road produces less noise, potentially reducing the road's barrier effect [8]. The reduction in noise coming from the highway is assumed to make the road surface less intimidating for animals, potentially allowing crossings to take place. This increase in crossings, however, may result in a subsequent increase in animal-vehicle collisions.

Animal movement

edit

Wildlife crossings, such as wildlife overpasses or underpasses, are generally seen as the most effective mitigation measure to help make roads more passable for wildlife while increasing both driver and animal safety. To funnel wildlife towards these crossings, many studies have called for a combination of both wildlife crossings and exclusion fencing, making the crossings under or over the road the only available path for wildlife [9][10]. With a combination of both wildlife crossings and suitable lengths of fencing, the barrier effect of roads is expected to decrease, allowing animals to access both sides of the road and therefore allowing for important life cycle processes including migration and mating[11].

References

edit
  1. ^ Downing, R.J.; Rytwinski, T; Fahrig, L (2015). "Positive effects of roads on small mammals: a test of the predation release hypothesis". Ecological Research. 30 (4): 651–662.
  2. ^ Downing, R.J.; Rytwinski, T; Fahrig, L (2015). "Positive effects of roads on small mammals: a test of the predation release hypothesis". Ecological Research. 30 (4): 651–662.
  3. ^ Dupras, J; Marull, J; Parcerisas, L; Coll, F; Gonzalez, A; Girard, M; Tello, E (2016). "The impacts of urban sprawl on ecological connectivity in the Montreal Metropolitan Region". Environmental Science & Policy. 58: 61–73.
  4. ^ van Rodriguez, A; Crema, G; Delibes, M (1996). "Use of non-wildlife passages across a high speed railway by terrestrial vertebrates". Journal of Applied Ecology: 1527–1540.
  5. ^ Laurance, W.F.; Lovejoy, T.E.; Vasconcelos, H.L.; Bruna, E.M.; Didham, R.K.; Stouffer, P.C.; Gascon, C; Bierregaard, R; Laurence, S.G.; Sampaio, E (2002). "Ecosystem decay of Amazonian forest fragments: a 22‐year investigation". Conservation Biology. 16 (3): 605–618.
  6. ^ Fahrig, L; Rytwinski, T (2009). "Effects of roads on animal abundance: an empirical review and synthesis". Ecology and Society. 14 (1): 21.
  7. ^ Downing, R.J.; Rytwinski, T; Fahrig, L (2015). "Positive effects of roads on small mammals: a test of the predation release hypothesis". Ecological Research. 30 (4): 651–662.
  8. ^ van Langevelde, F; van Dooremalen, C; Jaarsma, C.F. (2009). "Traffic mortality and the role of minor roads". Journal of Environmental Management. 90 (1): 660–667.
  9. ^ Olsson, M.P.; Widen, P (2008). "Effects of highway fencing and wildlife crossings on moose Alces alces movements and space use in southwestern Sweden". Wildlife Biology. 14 (1): 111–117.
  10. ^ Yanes, M; Velasco, J.M.; Suarez, F (1995). "Permeability of roads and railways to vertebrates: the importance of culverts". Biological conservation. 73 (3): 217–222.
  11. ^ Beben, D (2012). "Crossings for animals–an effective method of wild fauna conservation". Journal of environmental engineering and landscape management. 20 (1): 86–96.