Wildlife Mobility Linkages

Wildlife mobility corridors serve as nature-based solutions (NbS) that ensure the safe passage and survival of migrating animal species in Southeast Asia, e.g. elephants, tigers, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, birds, pollinators, small mammals, and insects, whose habitats are fragmented by roads, railways, mining, agriculture, and urbanization.

These corridors integrate forested pathways, restored landscapes, and green infrastructure like wildlife overpasses, underpasses, and canopy bridges tailored to the needs of various species. Technological innovations such as GPS tracking, camera traps, and bioacoustic monitoring enable the identification and protection of key movement routes.

Synergies between insects and mammals, like pollinators guiding animals to food-rich habitats, are leveraged to enhance ecosystem connectivity. By blending ecological restoration with sustainable land use planning, wildlife corridors maintain biodiversity, prevent human-wildlife conflict, and secure critical habitats, ensuring that species can migrate, forage, and reproduce while adapting to environmental changes.

Successful examples include the Kinabatangan Wildlife Corridor in Malaysia and the wildlife-friendly design of railway projects in Thailand, showcasing how technology and nature can harmonize for conservation.

  • Ecosystem restoration
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Climate change mitigation
  • Sustainable livelihoods
  • Water & soil regulation
Soil Erosion Soil Erosion
Flood Control Flood Control
Disaster Risk Reduction Disaster Risk Reduction

SUPPORTING

• Soil health improvement: Facilitates
nutrient cycling and soil aeration
through enhanced water infiltration.

REGULATING

• Flood mitigation: Reduces stormwater
runoff and prevents urban flooding by
increasing water infiltration.
• Urban cooling: Lowers ambient
temperatures by reducing heat island
effects through greenery and water
retention.

PROVISIONING

• Groundwater recharge: Replenishes
local aquifers by allowing rainwater
to percolate into the ground.

SOCIAL BENEFITS

• Improved walkability and livability:
Enhances urban aesthetics and
encourages pedestrian-friendly
environments.
• Disaster resilience: Builds community
resilience against climate impacts
like floods and heatwaves.

NbS59_Bridges for Gibbons
NbS59_Mobility Patterns of Male Orangutans

Initial Costs and Maintenance: Establishing
rainforestation sites can be costly due to the
need for native seedlings, technical training,
and labour for site preparation.

Timeframe for Benefits: Unlike fast-growing
monocultures, native trees take longer to
grow and produce economic returns, which
may deter smallholder farmers who need
short-term income.

Complexity of Implementation: Successful
implementation requires expertise in
native species selection, site-specific
ecosystem restoration, and sustainable
farming practices.

Competition for Land: Competition with
other land uses like monoculture
plantations or housing, especially in areas
with high population pressure.

Biodiversity Restoration

Establishing
rainforestation sites can be costly due to the
need for native seedlings, technical training,
and labour for site preparation.

Soil stabilisation and erosion control

Reduction in soil erosion rates by up to 60% on
reforested slopes within 3 years.

Carbon Sequestration

Annual sequestration of 5-10 tons of CO₂
equivalent per hectare in mixed agroforestry
systems.

Food Security Enhancement

Annual yield of agroforestry crops (e.g., coffee,
cacao, or root crops) contributing to 20%-30% of
household income within 3 years.

Improved Watershed Protection

Reduction in peak runoff volume by up to 40% during
heavy rains, improving downstream water quality.

Community Resilience and Livelihood Support

30%-50% increase in income diversification among
participating households due to tree products and
agroforestry crops.

Direct Costs

Establishment costs of $1,500–$3,000 per hectare,
including planting materials, labour, and training.

Indirect Costs

$500–$1,000/ha annually for maintenance,
monitoring, and opportunity costs of initial land-use
changes.

Time Horizon

20–30 years with a discount rate of 5%–7%,
considering long-term ecological and livelihood
benefits.

Direct Benefits

$2,000–$4,000 per hectare annually from agroforestry
yields like fruits, timber, and crops after 3–5 years

Indirect Benefits

Ecosystem services valued at $5,000–$7,000/ha
annually, including carbon sequestration, water
regulation, and biodiversity conservation

Risk Assessment

Medium risk due to potential challenges like invasive
species, market access, and community buy-in.

REFERENCES

Mount Pangasugan, Leyte Rainforestation
Initiative, the Philippines

Gunung Kidul Regency Forest Landscape
Restoration, Java, Indonesia

Mae Chaem Watershed Agroforestry, Thailand

IMPLEMENTATION OPPORTUNITIES

Timor Leste: Maubisse Highlands
Hilly areas of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia:
agroforestry crops like durian and rambutan