10 Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure

Maintenance of amphibian tunnels

To check

Materials are in good condition.
Appropriate drainage is provided to prevent flooding.
Fences are correctly anchored to the entrances and the fence ends are L or U-shaped away from the road to prevent the amphibians from crossing on the road surface.
Fences are appropriately fixed to the ground.
Vegetation height, composition and patch design is consistent with the standards.
No Invasive Alien Species are found.
No debris or other objects pose obstacles or prevent the appropriate use of the wildlife crossing.

To do

Structural features and uses
Maintain or restore entrance areas to ensure these are free of obstacles to fauna movements and appropriately connected with the surrounding habitats.
Modify any element of the drainage system that could be a trap for small animals (e.g. gullies located close to fences and passages, if animals are falling into the pits, ensure these have escape ramps which are accessible for fauna and unobstructed.
Remove rocks and sand that could obstruct the amphibian tunnel.
Fences and screens > see Sheet 5
Replace broken or deformed parts of the fence.
Reinforce the anchorage of the fence to the ground and amphibian tunnels when needed.
Vegetation > see Sheet 12
Undertake mowing, pruning and other vegetation management according to standards provided.
Remove vegetation debris that could obstruct the tunnel entrance.
Remove any Invasive Alien Species found.
Maintain any refuges near the fences and tunnels, according to the maintenance guidelines ensuring that they provide cover for the target species.
If ponds are close to amphibian tunnels, ensure that water is not flooding the tunnel.

Minimum: once a year, just before seasonal reproductive migrations or periods when target species movements are increased.
Mowing and pruning vegetation should be scheduled according to local conditions.
Additional inspections should be planned following floods, strong winds, snow or other adverse weather events.

Maintenance of ecological assets on transport linear infrastructure