Figure 1.4.3 – The effect of habitat fragmentation and infrastructure adaptation on wildlife movements. In a natural landscape (1), species may be able to move freely (arrows) and to cross over small gaps between suitable habitats (light green patches). As this habitat declines and patches become smaller and farther away from each other (2), species movements will be reduced to corridors of stepping stones. This effect is further intensified by roads and railways (lines) (3) that impose additional barriers and increase the risk of traffic mortality. A well-adapted infrastructure (4) that provides new movement corridors and safe crossing facilities, may reconnect habitats and enable animals to roam again (Source: Adapted from Seiler, unpublished).