Fencing: A Valuable Tool for Reducing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions and Funnelling Fauna to Crossing Structures

Fences prevent animals from accessing roads, thereby reducing the rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC). Fences also funnel animals towards crossing structures, making them an essential component of the success of this form of mitigation. Fencing can be used for a variety of species, ranging from frogs and turtles to deer and bears. Consequently, fence designs are almost as varied as the species they target. 1 Fencing is an essential component of mitigation and must be comprehensively integrated into the mitigation programme for it to be effective. 2 Fencing must be designed for the target species. 3 Consider alternatives to traditional fences. 4 Animals inevitably breach fences, and when they do, they must be able to exit the roadway. 5 Fence ends and planned breaks in fences must be designed to reduce the rate of WVC. 6 Fences need to be maintained forever. Appropriately designed fences and crossing structures can cost-effectively reduce or eliminate WVC. The potential negative effects of fences must also be considered, including increasing the barrier effect when installed without crossing structures and mortality of wildlife at fence ends and if poorly designed or maintained. Careful consideration of a small number of design and maintenance parameters is essential to achieve and maintain effectiveness.