Habitat Fragmentation Mitigation Simulation

The Problem

A major highway has bisected the habitat of an endangered mountain lion population. The population is now split into "West" and "East" subpopulations.

Impact: Without genetic flow (mating across the highway), inbreeding depression occurs. Genetic diversity drops, increasing mortality rates and leading toward localized extinction.

Engineering Solutions

Select a solution to mitigate the impact. Constraints include the municipal budget ($2.0M max).

Do Nothing (Baseline)

Leaves the highway as a complete barrier to migration.

Cost: $0 Connectivity: 0%

Drainage Culvert Underpasses

Retrofitting drainage pipes to allow small/medium wildlife to cross under. Some large predators refuse to use them due to lack of light.

Cost: $0.5M Connectivity: 30%

Vegetated Wildlife Overpass

A wide, soil-covered bridge planted with native flora. Highly preferred by large predators and herd animals.

Cost: $1.8M Connectivity: 85%

West Population

Size: 50

Genetics (Hz): 0.95

East Population

Size: 50

Genetics (Hz): 0.95

YEAR: 0

Habitat Fragmentation & Genetics Mitigation

The Problem

Engineering Solutions

West Population

East Population

Computational Output: Extinction vs Recovery Ready