Researchers from CONICET have confirmed the effectiveness of **native forest corridors** as a key tool to [preserve biodiversity](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/corredores-biologicos-salvando-a-los-grandes-felinos-de-latinoamerica/) in productive landscapes. The study, conducted in **Misiones** and published in *Forest Ecology and Management*, focused on how these corridors influence the presence of **amphibians, birds, and mammals** in areas dominated by pine and eucalyptus plantations.
The research was driven by the **Atlantic Forest Biodiversity Observatory (OBBA)**, with the participation of the Subtropical Biology Institute (IBS, CONICET-UNaM), and represents a valuable guide for both environmental and business decisions.
These corridors—linear vegetation areas that connect forest fragments—serve a dual function: they are **habitats and movement pathways** for multiple species. By law, forestry companies must preserve these corridors, although until now, they have not thoroughly analyzed their true ecological impact.
“This study arose from a collaboration with a company in the sector,” explained **Elena Gangenova**, CONICET researcher and lead author. “We were surprised to discover how effective these corridors are in sustaining biodiversity in a highly modified landscape.”
## Camera Traps and Recorders to Save Biodiversity
Between 2021 and 2022, the team conducted an exhaustive fieldwork with **over 200 hidden devices** among plantations and native forests. Thanks to this technology, they were able to detect the presence of species and compare different types of environments: continuous forests, corridors, and planted areas.
The results were conclusive: native forest corridors showed a **fauna composition much more similar to continuous forests** than to plantations. In all analyzed groups, the similarity ranged between **68% and 83%**, demonstrating their ecological value.
The average width of these corridors—around **226 meters**—would also have contributed to their effectiveness by offering both interior and edge zones, two important microhabitats for fauna.
Some sensitive species, especially **dependent on native forest** birds and mammals, use these strips as **refuges and connection routes** between public and private protected areas.
## A Bridge Between Production and Conservation
For **Diego Varela**, co-author of the study and OBBA coordinator, the next steps include evaluating how the **width of the corridors** and the role of private reserves influence the **persistence of threatened species**.
“The forestry sector has a great opportunity to improve the sustainability of its practices,” pointed out **Gustavo Zurita**, also a CONICET researcher. “International markets increasingly value environmentally responsible production, and this data can make a difference.”
While Misiones has one of the most important networks of protected areas in the country, saving **biodiversity increasingly depends on sustainable management** of productive areas. This work demonstrates that conserving and restoring native forest corridors is essential to achieve that balance.
## Ingenious Solution: Hanging Bridges in the Amazon to Protect Primates
Deep in the Amazon, an innovative conservation project has managed to [reduce the mortality of threatened primate species](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/ingeniosa-solucion-puentes-colgantes-en-la-amazonia-para-proteger-a-los-primates/). The initiative, led by researcher Fernanda Abra, **involves the installation of hanging bridges** between the treetops, allowing monkeys to cross roads safely without risking their lives. Thanks to this strategy, vulnerable species such as Groves’ titi, the Guiana spider monkey, and the red-handed howler monkey were able to move safely through their fragmented habitat.
So far, the *Reconnect* project has installed 30 of these structures in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. These bridges were designed with the support of the Waimiri-Atroari indigenous community, who contributed their knowledge of the habits and movements of local fauna. Additionally, **each bridge is equipped with camera traps** that allow monitoring animal use and collecting key information for planning future interventions.
The advancement of **road infrastructure in the Amazon** has created a serious problem for local wildlife. Forest fragmentation forces animals to cross roads, exposing them to collisions and reducing their chances of finding food and mates to reproduce. This is the case of Groves’ titi, one of the world’s most endangered primate species, whose situation inspired Fernanda Abra to develop this innovative solution.
Source: Conicet.
