Hume Highway rope bridges help revive squirrel glider population

By Bridie Smith Science Editor
Updated July 25 2015 - 10:08am, first published July 7 2015 - 1:31pm
Possums taking the rope bridge over the Hume Highway. Researchers say the bridges are connecting animal populations once divided by the road.? Photo: Supplied
Possums taking the rope bridge over the Hume Highway. Researchers say the bridges are connecting animal populations once divided by the road.? Photo: Supplied
Night vision cameras have recorded a variety of native animals using the poles and rope bridges. Photo: Supplied
Night vision cameras have recorded a variety of native animals using the poles and rope bridges. Photo: Supplied
Researchers are keeping track of the animal communities using night cameras, genetic testing and microchipping. Photo: Supplied
Researchers are keeping track of the animal communities using night cameras, genetic testing and microchipping. Photo: Supplied
A squirrel glider crosses the wildlife bridge  over the Hume Highway near Longwood. Photo: Kylie Soanes
A squirrel glider crosses the wildlife bridge over the Hume Highway near Longwood. Photo: Kylie Soanes
Cockatoos take a rest on one of the rope bridges spanning the Hume Highway. Photo: Supplied
Cockatoos take a rest on one of the rope bridges spanning the Hume Highway. Photo: Supplied
Possums taking the rope bridge over the Hume Highway. Researchers say the bridges are connecting animal populations once divided by the road.? Photo: Supplied
Possums taking the rope bridge over the Hume Highway. Researchers say the bridges are connecting animal populations once divided by the road.? Photo: Supplied

A four-lane interstate freeway is no barrier for amorous squirrel gliders in search of a roadside rendezvous, with new research showing "animal bridges" have resulted in a glider generation with parents from both sides of the bitumen.

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