Rainforest Connectivity Strategies for Oil and Gas Development

Abstract

Abstract Road and pipeline right-of-way construction in high-diversity tropical rainforest has isolated populations of arboreal animals that depend on the canopy as their principal habitat and pathways. Walsh and Petroamazonas EP developed a robust and safe engineering solution to recreate canopy connection using artificial canopy bridges spanning up to 35 m across a multi-use corridor to facilitate the movement of arboreal mammals in ecologically protected areas in Ecuador. The following criteria were used for design and installation of artificial canopy bridges: resistance to wind, movement of trees, and decay; facilitate the sway of trees; tested at a zoo for animal acceptance and resistance to chewing; installation in robust trees with minimal root damage during earth movement; locate in areas with arboreal presence or "canopy trails", install at a sufficient height as not to interfere with the field logistics, use light-weight materials so the bridges could transported and installed without the use of motorized equipment. Wildlife cameras were installed to record use by arboreal mammals. Trained arborists and tree-climbers strung ropes through branch crotches and scaled the anchor trees. Anchor holes were drilled (between 10 m and 25 m above the ground surface) with potable electric drills in trunks and large branches; treaded rod and eyebolt anchors were installed in these holes; the bridges were then raised, attached and adjusted; and finally motion and heat activated cameras were installed to record (day and night) animal use over time. Six (6) bridges were installed across a right-of-way consisting of a road with an adjacent pipeline, communication cable and power cable; and five (5) bridges were installed across a cross-country pipeline. These artificial canopy bridges have been designed to last over 10 years, which will allow for natural regrowth of branches across the right-of-way and reconnection of the canopy. The motion and heat-activated cameras included sealant and desiccant to avoid damage from humidity, and were bolted to tree trunks on brackets to properly orient the lens towards the bridges and resist animal damage. The eight (8) installed cameras have been collecting photos for approximately 11 months. The following animals have been photographed on or near the bridges: olingo, porcupine, and various species of monkeys. This experiment in recreating canopy connection demonstrates that fragmented arboreal habitats can be reconnected artificially in areas where natural canopy bridges cannot be maintained due to wide right-of ways. These artificial bridges and motion and heat activated cameras provide an important research opportunity for biologists studying behavior of arboreal animals, since canopy access is logistically challenging.