This glossary includes most relevant terms used in this handbook. First version of the glossary was created during the development of the ‘Wildlife and Traffic’ handbook (Action COST 341) and it has been expanded with contributions from partners of the project Horizon 2020 ‘BISON’. Terms definitions are provided by legal texts, reference documents or by agreement between experts from both ecology and infrastructure. The organisations IENE, PIARC, UIC, and ISO have also assisted and will contribute in future updates.
Last update: October 2023 – How to cite
There are currently 18 names in this directory beginning with the letter A.
Accompaniment measure
An intervention intended to be positive for biodiversity and ecosystem services, but not providing measureable gains that can be set against residual impacts. Accompaniment measures may or may not target the BES features significantly impacted by a project. Synonym: 'Addtional Conservation Actions'.
Adapted culverts
Modified pipe or box culvert that allows a watercourse and/or drainage to flow underneath transport infrastructure and includes adaptations to facilitate terrestrial wildlife crossing. These often include dry ledges or shelves to provide dry passage, which are connected to adjacent habitat. The design and landscaping at the entrances is particularly designed for the needs of wildlife, not only erosion control.
Adapted viaduct
Large structure, usually supported by pillars or arches, which carries transport infrastructure and enables the preservation of valuable ecosystems and ecological corridors below the structure. Preservation and restoration of continuous terrestrial, riparian and aquatic habitats below viaducts facilitate movement of multiple vertebrate and invertebrate species. Land uses and activities under the structure must be compatible with fauna movements and preservation of ecological connectivity. Viaducts must not be considered as wildlife passages when human disturbance or infrastructure with high traffic volume is beneath. Combined with perimeter fencing that funnels the animals to the structure and with light/noise screens to reduce disturbance when required. Synonym: 'Landscape underpass'.
Alien species
Animals and plants introduced accidentally or deliberately into a natural environment where they are not normally found. Such species can become invasive in their new environment if they start spreading and causing serious damage to native species and ecosystems. See also ‘Invasive Alien Species’.
Amphibian fencing
A continuous structure erected alongside infrastructure, designed to prevent amphibians from crossing and directing them to a specific crossing point. See also Amphibian crossing.
Amphibian passage
Small structures built under transport infrastructure designed specifically to provide a safe crossing point for amphibians. Often consisting of multiple underpasses in close proximity to each other. Requires effective opaque fencing to intercept the amphibians and funnel them to the crossing structures. Synonyms: ‘Amphibian crossing’; ‘Amphibian tunnel’.”
Animal Detection System (ADS)
Measure to alert drivers that a large animal is approaching the road. The system involves signs that emit flashing warnings, activated by large animal detection sensors. When an animal is detected, signs are activated warning drivers that animals may be on or near the road at that time.
Animal Vehicle Collision (AVC)
When an animal is hit by a moving vehicle. If the animal is a wildlife species also called ‘Wildlife Vehicle Collision’ (WVC). Synonym: Roadkill.