In the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, the creation of roads not only connects communities but also puts the local wildlife at risk. Monkeys and other animals that descend from the trees to cross these roads face significant dangers due to traffic and noise. Aware of this problem, biologist Fernanda Abra has launched the Reconecta Project to offer an innovative solution.
Aerial Bridges: An Ingenious Solution in the Amazon
These canopy bridges, made of steel cables and nets, are designed to allow arboreal animals to cross over the roads safely. Since its inception in 2022, 39 bridges have been installed along a federal highway between Roraima and Amazonas and in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso.
Roads, although necessary for human connectivity, fragment natural habitats. For species that depend on trees, descending to the ground is risky and can lead to isolation, affecting their ability to forage and find mates.
Under Abra’s leadership, the project aims to reduce animal mortality and improve connectivity between forest fragments. These canopy bridges are monitored with cameras to track which species use them, revealing that numerous crossings of various species have already been recorded, including the golden-handed tamarin.
In Alta Floresta, an area rich in primates, nearly 15,000 crossings have been observed over a period of 15 months. This region is home to critical species such as the Alta Floresta titi monkey and Schneider’s marmoset.
A crucial aspect of the project is collaboration with local communities, such as the indigenous Waimiri-Atroari people, and with institutions like the Federal University of Amazonas, to ensure these structures are strategically located.
The Reconecta has been recognized with the Whitley Award 2024 for its innovative approach. This recognition strengthens the goal of replicating these bridges in more areas of Brazil and other tropical countries.
Despite the success, the project faces ongoing challenges, such as the danger posed by power lines to animals. Upcoming phases will include measures to mitigate these risks, such as insulation and modification of power lines.
In summary, while canopy bridges are not a definitive solution to habitat loss, they present an effective measure where human intervention has already caused damage, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity in the Amazon region.
