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What is wrong with wildlife fencing and what should we do? A review of fencing guidance for reptiles and amphibians.
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  • Katherine Aburrow,
  • Darrelle Moffat,
  • Steve Bega,
  • Kelly Clarke
Katherine Aburrow
Animex International Inc
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Darrelle Moffat
Animex International Inc
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Steve Bega
Animex International Inc

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Kelly Clarke
Animex International Inc
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Abstract

Reptiles and amphibians have been recognised as being some of the world’s most at-risk species from the impacts of human development. In particular, roads have been identified as having a significant impact on herpetofauna due to roadkill and fragmentation. Despite road mortality affecting herpetofauna greater than other species, the topic of wildlife vehicle collision (WVC) studies, which influence mitigation, is biased towards larger species due to higher human costs from WVCs. In addition to mitigation research, government funding for species protection and recovery has also been found to be highly disproportionate among species groups. This bias has resulted in a lack of research on effectiveness and clear and consistent guidance on mitigation for smaller animals such as reptiles and amphibians. Wildlife fencing is one method of mitigation that has proven to help reduce WVCs and can help maintain connectivity when combined with wildlife crossings. There have been more studies in recent years that have focused on herpetofauna mitigation and these have helped inform best practice guidance. In this article we review current freely available best practice guidance for fencing designed to manage conflict of herpetofauna around transport networks from across the world. We have summarised findings that compare and highlight key factors that include the following: Material type, Fence height, and Fence features. Combining factors from existing guidance, recent research and our practical observations on mitigation projects, we provide a summary of recommendations along with diagrams and descriptions that reflect the analysed guidance. We also identify and highlight any areas that may need further research and investigation to help build upon the status quo and enable us to better utilise fencing as a conflict management tool for herpetofauna.
15 May 2023Submitted to Wildlife Biology
16 May 2023Submission Checks Completed
16 May 2023Assigned to Editor
16 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 May 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
13 Sep 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major