The Economic Times

In 2016, when river dams trapped Japan's giant salamanders, scientists came up with an unusual solution: building custom ladders instead of removing the dams

Researchers in Japan developed special ladderways for giant salamanders to cross river dams. These step-type structures with side walls proved most effective for amphibian movement. The innovative approach helps reconnect fragmented river habitats without dam removal. This method offers a practical conservation tool where dam removal is not feasible. The findings suggest similar designs could aid freshwater wildlife globally.