Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing the impact of urban development on local wildlife. One key point is the fragmentation of habitats, which occurs when roads or buildings divide a natural area into smaller patches. This can isolate animal populations, reducing genetic diversity and making them more vulnerable to disease. However, our research shows that creating green corridors, such as wildlife bridges or tunnels, can reconnect these patches. In a recent study, we monitored a highway that was expanded from two to four lanes. Surprisingly, the number of deer-vehicle collisions decreased by 40% after installing a vegetated overpass, because animals used the crossing instead of risking the road. This suggests that careful planning can mitigate some negative effects.
❓ What did the study find about the effect of the vegetated overpass on deer-vehicle collisions?