Effectiveness of above-ground pipeline mitigation for moose (Alces alces) and other large mammals

Published source details Dunne B.M. & Quinn M.S. (2009) Effectiveness of above-ground pipeline mitigation for moose (Alces alces) and other large mammals. Biological Conservation, 142, 332-343.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Install crossings over/under pipelines Action Link

Install crossings over/under pipelines

A controlled study in 2006–2007 in boreal mixed-woodland in Alberta, Canada (Dunne & Quinn 2009) found that mammals used wildlife crossings over oil pipelines. Camera-trapping showed that successful crossings were made by deer (white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus and mule deer Odocoileus hemionus) on 746 of 904 approaches (83%), by moose Alces alces on 157 of 178 approaches (88%) and by coyotes Canis latrans on 52 of 59 of approaches (88%). Crossings were also made by lynx Lynx canadensis and black bear Ursus americanus (twice each) and gray wolf Canis lupus (once). Snow-tracking showed that deer had a higher successful pipeline crossing rate at wildlife crossings (96% of approaches) than along pipeline sections without crossings (90%). Moose success rate at crossings (66%) was lower than on sections without crossings (77%). In March 2006, five crossing structures of soil and vegetation (≥20 m long, ≥4 m wide, 2–3 m high) were installed along 5.5 km of pipeline. Use of these crossings, and of gaps under elevated sections along 1.6 km of pipeline, was monitored. Snow track surveys were carried out at three-week intervals in February–March 2006 and November 2006–April 2007. Camera traps were installed along each pipeline section with two at each crossing for one year (2006–2007).

(Summarised by: Rebecca K. Smith)