The Place and Role of Animal Ecoducts in the Modern Road Infrastructure

Protecting biodiversity means conserving the variety of life on Earth (species, genes, ecosystems) in order to maintain the natural balance, ensure vital resources (clean air, water, food), and protect us from disease, preventing the extinction of species caused by human activities (pollution, deforestation) through conservation measures and sustainable use of resources, in order to guarantee a healthy future for the planet and humanity. This scientific paper was written by the authors in a logical and elegant manner, with the aim of presenting the place and role of animal ecoducts in modern road infrastructure. In this way, those interested can learn about both the legislation and specialized literature governing this field, as well as the importance of biodiversity in Europe and Romania. The paper also includes chapters on the importance of road transport infrastructure in the European and Romanian context, types of wildlife migration, connectivity between different types of habitats, types of ecoducts currently in existence and used for animal migration between areas and biodiversity interrupted by road or rail transport routes (roads, highways, railways, etc.), the state of adaptation of Romania's transportation infrastructure to environmental requirements regarding wildlife crossings and then reports on a case study of road accidents involving motor vehicles and wild animals, presenting the most effective methods, techniques, and installations for protecting wild animals in road traffic. At the end of the scientific article, the authors' conclusions on the subject are presented.