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
There are currently 13 names in this directory beginning with the letter L.
Landscape
The total spatial and visual entity of human living space integrating the geological, biological and human-made environment. It is an heterogeneous land area composed of a cluster of interacting ecosystems that create a specific, recognisable pattern. According to the European Landscape Convention, a landscape is perceived differently by local people or visitors, and evolves through time as a result of being acted upon by natural forces and humans.
Landscape element
Each of the relatively homogeneous units, or spatial elements, recognised at the scale of a landscape mosaic.
Landscape overpass
Large structure over transport infrastructure to provide continuity of habitats from both sides. Due to their width, a diversity of habitat types (e.g. vegetation or soil types, stone rows or piles, ponds, etc.) could be included. Combined with perimeter fencing that funnels the animals to the structure and with light/noise screens to reduce disturbance by traffic when required. The main difference to wildlife overpasses is their width and possibilities for vegetation cover and diversity of habitats being created which facilitate better ecosystem connection. Landscape overpasses can also be constructed over cut-and-cover or excavated tunnels. Synonyms: ‘Ecoduct’; 'Green bridge'. See also ‘Wildlife overpass’.
Landscaping
To modify the original landscape by altering the topography and/or plant cover. This may include building earthworks to form new landscape structures.
Level crossing
A place designated for large mammals to cross a road at the same level than traffic combining fences to guide fauna to an open section equipped whith Animal Detection Systems which detect the fauna and trigger driver warnings'. Synonym 'At Grade Passage'.
Like-for-like
Conservation (through the biodiversity offset) of the same type of biodiversity as that affected by the project. Sometimes referred to as in-kind. Several biodiversity offset policies are based on a principle either of ‘like-for-like’ or of ‘like-for-like or better’. ‘Like-for-like’ requires conservation (through the biodiversity offset) of the same type of biodiversity as that affected by the project. This is sometimes modified to ‘like-for-like or better’, in which the offset conserves components of biodiversity that are a higher conservation priority (for example because they are more irreplaceable and vulnerable) than those affected by the development project for which the offset is envisaged. This is also known as ‘trading up’.