Glossary

This glossary includes most relevant terms used in this handbook. First version of the glossary was created during the development of the ‘Wildlife and Traffic’ handbook (Action COST 341) and it has been expanded with contributions from partners of the project Horizon 2020 ‘BISON’. Terms definitions are provided by legal texts, reference documents or by agreement between experts from both ecology and infrastructure. The organisations IENE, PIARC, UIC, and ISO have also assisted and will contribute in future updates.

Last update: October 2023 – How to cite

All | # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
There are currently 13 names in this directory beginning with the letter G.
Game
Animals hunted for sport and food.
Game fencing
Fencing specifically for game species such as wild boar and deer. See also ‘Fencing’.
Gene flow
The transfer of alleles or genes from one population to another.
Genetic diversity
The level of variability of genetic data within a sample or population, commonly measured through metrics such as heterozygosity and allelic richness.
Geographic Information System
A conceptualised framework that provides the ability to capture and analyse spatial and geographic data. GIS applications (or GIS app) are computer-based tools that allow the user to create interactive queries (user-created searches), store and edit spatial and non-spatial data, analyse spatial information output, and visually share the results of these operations by presenting them as maps.
Good practice
A methodology, process or technique that represents an effective way of achieving a specific objective, one that has been proven to work well and produce expected results, and is therefore recommended as a model or as a useful example. See also ‘Best Practice’.
Gradient
The (rate of) change of a parameter between one area or region and another.
Green bridge
See 'Landscape overpass'.
Green Infrastructure (GI)
A strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. It incorporates green spaces (or blue if aquatic ecosystems are concerned) and other physical features in terrestrial (including coastal) and marine areas. It is also defined as ‘an interconnected network of protected land and water that supports native species, maintains natural ecological processes, sustains air and water resources and contributes to the health and quality of life for communities and people’.
Grey infrastructure
Engineered assets that aim to provide one or multiple services required by society, such as road, railways, urban areas, resource extraction, and other infrastructure.
Guard-rail
See 'Safety fence'.
Guide fencing
Fencing built to lead wild animals to a dedicated crossing point. See also ‘Fencing’ and ‘Amphibian fencing’.
Gutter
Paved channel designed to carry runoff from the edge of infrastructure into the drainage system.