Wildlife corridors — habitat connections between fragmented patches — reduce road mortality, prevent genetic isolation, and support the natural movement that animals require for physical and behavioral health.
Habitat fragmentation and road networks impose enormous welfare costs on wildlife through direct mortality and indirect suffering from population isolation. Road-struck animals that do not die immediately suffer severe injuries. Populations cut off from genetic exchange develop heritable health problems over generations. Wildlife corridors address both problems by enabling safe movement and maintaining population connectivity. The welfare case for corridor investment is compelling — it represents a rare opportunity to prevent suffering at landscape scale. Infrastructure spending that integrates wildlife crossing requirements delivers both conservation and animal welfare benefits.