Ecological Systems and Devices Annotation << Back Railways and Animal Migration: in Search of Optimal Solutions Dobrikova A.S., Kholopov Yu.A. The article discusses the impact of railway infrastructure on animal migration and the search for optimal solutions to minimize conflicts between transport and natural systems. The article analyzes domestic and foreign studies and identifies the main areas of negative impact of railways, such as the barrier effect, animal mortality, habitat degradation, and disruption of ecological connectivity. The article presents the results of an analysis of existing practices in Russia. The article proposes ways to optimize interaction, including spatial mapping of migration hotspots, integration of engineering and digital measures, and development of monitoring and interagency cooperation. The paper concludes that it is necessary to form a comprehensive federal program that combines environmental and transport priorities. Keywords: railways, animal migration, wildlife crossings, biodiversity, barrier effect, infrastructure ecology, digital monitoring, sustainable development, environmental technologies, interaction of transport and natural systems. DOI: 10.25791/esip.2.2026.1573 Pp. 17-24.