When you think of the Amazon rainforest, you probably picture endless green canopies, exotic wildlife, and untouched nature. But here’s something you might not expect—roads. Highways cut through thousands of miles of dense forest, posing a serious threat to the creatures that call the treetops home.
For endangered species like Groves’ titi monkey and the Guiana spider monkey, crossing these roads is a life-or-death gamble. That’s where canopy bridges come in—a simple yet game-changing solution that’s helping these primates navigate their habitat safely.
Brazilian biologist Fernanda Abra, the founder of the Reconecta Project, has been at the forefront of this effort. So far, she and her team have installed more than two dozen canopy crossings along a 2,000-mile highway stretch in the Amazon.
These hammock-like structures serve as lifelines, allowing monkeys and other tree-dwelling species to cross roads without ever touching the ground. And it’s not just good for the animals—fewer road collisions mean safer driving conditions for people, too.
To measure success, cameras are installed on each bridge, capturing footage of the animals using them (or hesitating to). This not only helps researchers fine-tune the design of the crossings, but it also provides heartwarming proof that these structures are making a difference.
“Every time I see a video of a monkey using my canopy bridge, it’s wonderful because we are avoiding the situation of road mortality,” Abra told CNN.
These canopy crossings are a reminder that small, thoughtful interventions can have a major impact on conservation. With more funding and awareness, projects like Reconecta could help expand these bridges across the Amazon, ensuring that wildlife can continue to move freely in its natural home.
Want to see these monkey-approved bridges in action?
