The Alturas Wildlife Rescue Center, in collaboration with Grupo ICE, is moving forward with the installation of eight wildlife rope bridges along the Costanera Sur highway, on the stretch between Dominical and Uvita, aimed at reducing the risk of roadkill and electrocution of wild animals.
The initiative has so far reached half of its goal, with four of the eight aerial crossings installed. Project leaders seek to mitigate the effects of forest fragmentation caused by road infrastructure and provide crossing routes for species that move through the treetops.
Among the species expected to use these structures are white-faced capuchin monkeys, mantled howler monkeys, sloths, and anteaters. The bridges allow these animals to cross above the highway without needing to descend to the ground or approach vehicular traffic.
Representatives from the Alturas Wildlife Rescue Center noted that during the installation of the two most recent crossings, they observed several white-faced capuchin monkeys in the nearby treetops:
“Every rope bridge represents a safe path home for our wildlife. During the recent installation of the last two bridges, we witnessed several white-faced capuchin monkeys watching us from the treetops, as if they knew those routes were being built for them.”
Monitoring Bridge Usage
The project also incorporates a monitoring component using camera traps donated by the international organization Idea Wild. The technical team retrieved the first installed devices to analyze how animals use the structures and placed two additional cameras on the newest crossings.
Grupo ICE and private donors contributed part of the ropes used to construct the bridges, while ICE personnel provided logistical and operational support during the roadside work.
The Alturas Wildlife Rescue Center still needs to install four additional bridges to complete the planned eight. The organization is running a fundraising campaign to acquire materials, maintain existing structures, and cover the logistics required to continue the project.
