Building Bridges

Due to COVID-19, Savage Hart’s original summer 2020 project was canceled. We were scheduled to assist in animal care operations at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Costa Rica.

During the challenging times of the pandemic, many wildlife rehabilitation centers are losing vital donations and volunteers. Since Savage Hart cannot contribute services to KTSR, we would like to support one of their programs. 

The Building Bridges Project will supply funding to create and maintain safe crossings for wildlife. As a result, we can help keep over 22 native species in Costa Rica safe.

The Problem

Wildlife electrocutions in Costa Rica are responsible for over 3,000 mortalities yearly, leading to a staggering 50% decline in local arboreal mammal populations. These deaths occur when animals move from the forest canopy onto dangerous, uninsulated electrical wiring, often the only thing connecting their fragmented habitats.

Electrocutions can be fatal. However, some animals that suffer extreme burns and/or life-threatening injuries can survive if admitted into wildlife rehabilitation. 

As urban developments expand in Costa Rica, trees are cut down, and electrical wires are installed to supply power. This creates many gaps in the jungle canopy. Wild animals such as sloths, monkeys, anteaters, squirrels, birds, and reptiles are forced to use electrical cables as links in the urban jungle. 

Almost all of the electric lines are aerial and are constructed without insulation. Even though there are laws in Costa Rica that should serve to protect the environment,  they are either ineffective or not properly enforced.

According to KTSR, the leading causes of death of the endangered Squirrel monkeys in Manuel Antonio are electrocution by high-voltage wires while crossing roads and getting run over by cars.

The Solution

Creating a wildlife-friendly alternative to high-voltage wire crossings. Experts and the local hydroelectric company carefully positioned rope bridges above the roads. 

Keeping the wildlife bridges safe and functional is an enormous job due to tropical storms and numerous other factors. 

These bridges have been a critical life-saving feature of KTSR’s program. The Squirrel Monkey population has increased from 1200 to 3700 thanks to projects like these.