What is wrong with wildlife fencing and what should we do? A review of
fencing guidance for reptiles and amphibians.
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.