The New Field Of 'Road Ecology'

"As a park biologist, Ms. Kline knows such crossings can be crucial. A recent study counted as many as 53,000 animals killed on Saguaro's roads each year. "It's a huge problem," she says, "and our issue will be every park's issue in 10 years or so."

Efforts to solve the problem have spawned a new discipline called road ecology. The practice brings together transportation planners, scientists, and wildlife activists who plan new road projects to minimize impacts on animals. By using a variety of strategies - from lowered speed limits in wildlife areas to high-tech, vegetated overpasses where cameras monitor animal use - they hope to reduce the number of animals killed and improve road safety for drivers."