A few kilometers from the famous writing of Hollywoodan extraordinary work is being born: it is the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossingdestined to become the larger bridge for wildlife in the world. This structure will cross well Ten lanes of the US 101 motorwayallowing numerous animal species to move safely between Santa Monica Mountains and the Simo Hillstwo natural habitats for some time separated from traffic and urbanization.
Every year, millions of animals are invested on the roads. In United Statesthere are about two million accidents per year related to wildlife. THE ecological bridges They represent an increasingly appreciated solution: not only do they protect animals, but also reduce risks for motorists.
The project is the result of years of study and mobilization by scientists, environmentalists and citizens. To inspire the initiative was also the story of P-22, a puma that miraculously managed to overcome two highways But he lived isolated throughout his life in an urban park. This case highlighted the genetic problems caused by the isolation of species, pushing the community to intervene to restore the ecological corridors natural.
The works will end by 2026
The construction of the bridge officially started in theApril 2022 And now it is in an advanced phase. Imposing concrete beams have recently been positioned and you are starting to spread specially engineered landsimilar to characteristics to the natural soil of the area. In the coming months, they will be planted native plant species on an extension of about 12 acresmaking the passage indistinguishable from the natural landscape.
The infrastructure is designed to accommodate not only great predators like the pumas, but also deer, red, birds, reptiles and even pollinating insectscontributing in a concrete way to restoration of biodiversity.
Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing should be ready by 2026 And it promises to become a replicable model in other areas of the world. According to previous research, similar structures can Reduce the accidents between vehicles and animals by 90%thus offering an extraordinary synergy between infrastructure and conservation of nature.
