The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has launched a comprehensive suite of new online tools aimed at identifying and addressing wildlife connectivity barriers throughout the state. Designed to support conservation planning and road safety, the digital platform allows users to explore critical areas where wildlife movement is obstructed and where targeted action is needed.

Habitat connectivity plays a vital role in maintaining the health, resilience, and long-term survival of wildlife populations. As development, transportation networks, and climate change continue to fragment natural habitats, many species face increased risks, including genetic isolation and higher mortality rates due to vehicle collisions. The new tools aim to facilitate greater understanding and collaboration in efforts to mitigate these impacts.

The centerpiece of this initiative is the Wildlife Connectivity Barriers web page, which features an interactive map that highlights more than 200 high-priority barrier segments across approximately 3,000 miles of California’s roadways and infrastructure. The map is accompanied by a searchable database, allowing users to access detailed information about each barrier. This includes the types of species affected—ranging from deer and mountain lions to amphibians and reptiles—as well as data used to prioritize the barriers for future action.

Additional functionalities allow users to zoom in on specific areas of interest, export data for further analysis, and print focal maps for use in planning. These tools are intended to be accessible to a wide range of users, including public agencies, conservation organizations, infrastructure planners, and interested community members.

This digital rollout builds on years of science-based research and interagency collaboration. In 2020, CDFW completed its first statewide assessment of wildlife connectivity barriers, which was updated in 2022. The transition to an online format represents a significant step toward improving data accessibility and fostering more coordinated efforts among stakeholders.

The initiative also aligns with broader conservation priorities at both the state and federal levels. It supports implementation of the 2024 California State Action Plan, developed under a federal directive focused on big-game migration corridors across the western United States. Of the connectivity barriers identified in California, 21 are located within areas prioritized in this plan—critical routes for species such as elk, deer, and other ungulates.

Beyond ecological benefits, improving wildlife connectivity contributes to public safety. Wildlife-vehicle collisions are a growing concern on California’s roads, often resulting in injuries, fatalities, and costly damage. By identifying and prioritizing the removal or mitigation of key barriers, the tools are expected to guide infrastructure projects that enhance safe wildlife passage and reduce accident risks.

With these online resources, California continues to advance its role as a national leader in wildlife connectivity planning. The tools represent a shift toward proactive, data-driven strategies for habitat conservation, enabling partners and decision-makers to integrate wildlife movement considerations more effectively into transportation and land-use planning.

The launch of these tools marks a critical milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity, adapt to climate pressures, and ensure that both people and wildlife can safely navigate California’s landscapes.