Study

Electric fences reduce mammalian predation on piping plover nests and chicks

  • Published source details Mayer P.M. & Ryan M.R. (1991) Electric fences reduce mammalian predation on piping plover nests and chicks. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 19, 59-63.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Protect bird nests using electric fencing

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Protect bird nests using electric fencing

    A replicated, controlled trial from 1986-1988 in wetlands in North Dakota, USA (Mayer & Ryan 1991) found that nest survival of 54 piping plover Charadrius melodus nests on four beaches protected by a combined wire mesh and electric fence (1.2 m high, designed to stop mammalian predators) was 71% higher than for 234 nests on 21 unfenced beaches. Chick survival and the fledging rate were 55% and 82% greater on fenced than unfenced beaches, but these increases were not significant.

     

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