Taiwan is to close one lane of a major highway to protect more than a million butterflies, which cross the road on their seasonal migration. The purple milkweed butterfly only one of two mass butterfly movements worldwide
Ecologists hope that lane closure, protective nets and ultra-violet lighting will all dramatically increase the milkweed's chances of reaching the breeding ground. The protective nets are also designed to force the butterflies to fly higher, reducing the chances of them getting caught in the traffic Ultra-violet lighting will be used below an elevated section of road to encourage the butterflies to head beneath.
In total the measures are estimated to have cost in the region of £15,000.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Butterfly Migration Protection
- The trend of protecting butterfly migration is disrupting traditional highway management practices.
- Environmental Conservation Driven by Local Wildlife
- Environmental conservation efforts driven by local fauna are creating innovative solutions for unique ecological challenges.
- Innovative Methods of Species Protection
- Incorporating methods such as protective nets and ultraviolet lighting in public infrastructure represents an opportunity for industries to contribute to environmental conservation.
Where This Applies
- Highway Management
- New ways of managing highway infrastructure are being developed to ensure the protection of local wildlife.
- Ecotourism
- Conservation efforts are creating opportunities for ecotourism industries in which tourists can learn about local fauna and the conservation practices implemented to protect them.
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental engineers can be a valuable resource for developing innovative methods of species protection that can be incorporated into public infrastructure.
