Fencing that's friendly to wildlife

SMALL FARMS NETWORK - AUTUMN 2021 - ENVIRONMENT

By Cameron Butcher
Senior Land Services Officer - Natural Resource Management
P: 02 6051 2233 | M: 0428 217 271 | E: cameron.butcher@lls.nsw.gov.au

Fences are installed throughout the world, each having a different makeup and construction. One of the primary issues with fences is the use of barbed wire. Over 60 bird and mammal species have been recorded entangled in barbed wire fences across Australia, many of which do not survive.

What is wildlife-friendly fencing?

Wildlife-friendly fencing allows wildlife to cross without getting caught or injured. Fences could be electrified or constructed using multi-strand high-tensile plain wire to ensure fences are stock-proof. Leaving a 30-50cm gap at the bottom of fences is another way we can assist some animals to cross without injury.

What can you do?

• Make your fences wildlife-friendly and encourage others to do likewise.
• Remove or cap barbed wire or install visual aids for wildlife.
• Where barbed wire must be used, try to avoid using it on at least the top two strands.
• Monitor fences in your local area and report any entangled animals to a wildlife rescue organisation.

You can learn more about wildlife-friendly fencing at this link.

Or this one.