USERS AND SEASONAL CHANGE OF OVERPASS FOR WILDLIFE IN EASTERN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

Abstract

 An overpass for wildlife was constructed in Obihiro-Hiroo highway to resolve the habitat fragmentation. We monitored mammal species using the overpass with camera traps from May to November 2017. Recorded species and frequency in adjacent forests and the overpass did not differ. Therefore, we considered that mammals inhabiting in the local area recognized and used the overpass. The sika deer and the red fox frequently and continuously used the overpass. In particular, the sika deer used not residential individuals but also individuals of seasonal migration. Our results showed that the overpass is effective for middle and large mammals.