Project builds bridges in the Amazon to save primates

Biologist Fernanda Abra was driving along the BR-174 highway, which crosses the Amazon rainforest between the states of Amazonas and Roraima.

Authorities from three nearby tribes are proposing a tree-covered artificial bridge to allow wildlife to cross the road without collisions.

“It was the best day of my life. It was a good experience and a great learning opportunity,” said Fernando.

Farmers understand the importance of protecting the trees, and some of them are sick.

It is estimated that 9 million animals die on Brazil’s roads.

There are plans to assist primates.

When Fernando began designing Reconect, he had three phases that required the installation of a canvas bridge over the highway, which required cutting sheets on both sides.

The search was very challenging, and surprisingly, some of the products were impossible to find, even on Amazon.

Of the three proposed highways, the BR-174, a 125-kilometer road, will pass through the inhabited Waimiri-Atrori section of the biome, covering 2.3 million hectares and considered an important conservation area.

A good example is the government of his country (these people were victims of the genocide that began during the colonial period, when an explosion in the northern part of the country killed 2,650 people).

Despite his extensive experience in building wildlife-related programs, the biologist had never worked in the Amazon.

But he quickly realized why BR-174 would be the perfect spot for the project.

Thirty years ago, Waimiri-Atrori expressed a desire for a temporary fence along the highway.

The effort is so effective and powerful that about 30 people living in the forest along the highway want to cut BR-174 in collaboration with the National Department of Infrastructure Transport (DNIT) and the Federal Secretariat of Public Services of the Amazon (UFAM).

In 2022, Reconecta 30 will be a specially designed and marked artificial bridge with local input, standing 7 meters tall, with 15 pairs, each with a unique design, to enable better wildlife passage.

Source of information: brasil.mongabay.com

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