OVERPASS FOR TERRESTRIAL SMALL MAMMALS —EFFECTS OF THE RAILING STRUCTURE—

Abstract

 Overpasses have been constructed for middle and large sized mammals, however terrestrial small mammals are greatly affected by habitat fragmentation. Understanding previous usage of overpasses by terrestrial small mammals is helpful for conducting conservation measures. Our objective is to propose appropriate measures for terrestrial small mammals based on two cases of overpass usage in Hokkaido, Japan. Muridae and the Siberian chipmunk used the planting and the railing of roads in the two cases. We considered that Muridae and the Siberian chipmunk selected these to decrease risks from predators. Therefore, we propose that the planting and the railing are important for urging the overpass usage and the road crossing of terrestrial small mammals.