Bonn, 3 February 2012 - Large infrastructure projects such as roads, railroads, mining sites, pipelines and fences can have detrimental effects on migratory gazelles, Wild Asses and Saiga Antelopes, causing not only habitat fragmentation but also direct mortality. This is the result of a recent study from WWF Mongolia (click here), which analyses the barrier effect of infrastructure development in Mongolia on migratory ungulates. The study was commissioned by the UNEP/CMS Secretariat with funding from the Principality of Monaco, and was discussed at the 17th Scientific Council Meeting in Bergen (17/18 November 2012).

CMS has identified barriers to migration as a key priority for the conservation of migratory species. In Central Asia and Mongolia in particular, the number of planned and constructed large infrastructure projects increased rapidly over the last years, causing serious threats to major migratory ungulates such as Goitered and Mongolian Gazelles, Asiatic Wild Asses, Wild Camels and Saiga Antelopes. Negative effects include habitat fragmentation and barriers to migration routes, genetic isolation and splitting of population as well as direct mortality when animals run into trucks or die hanging in wired fences.

The research carried out by WWF Mongolia was the first attempt to summarize existing literature on habitat fragmentation and disturbance of migration routes due to linear infrastructure. It brought together main stakeholders and decision-makers to discuss the current mining and infrastructure situation in Mongolia and agree on appropriate mitigation measures. For new infrastructure projects for example, this would include environmental impact assessments as well as the consideration of protected areas and critical migration routes and habitat sites. At the same time, existing infrastructure needs to incorporate wildlife friendly mitigation measures, including the partial removal of railway fences, extension of existing tunnels or underpasses, and inserting wildlife friendly road signs.

This Mongolian case study serves as the starting point to initiate further concise action to address the issue of barriers to the migration of terrestrial mammals. This will include stakeholder workshops and dialogues as well as the development of guidelines for similar types of infrastructure projects in Mongolia and Central Asia but also worldwide.

For further information see the research report: Barriers to Migration – Case Study in Mongolia. Analyzing the Effects of Infrastructure on Migratory Terrestrial Mammals in Mongolia.

For more information about COP10, read the special post-COP edition of the CMS Bulletin.