Buck-and-pole fence crossings by four ungulate species
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Published source details
Scott M.D. (1992) Buck-and-pole fence crossings by four ungulate species. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 20, 204-210.
Published source details Scott M.D. (1992) Buck-and-pole fence crossings by four ungulate species. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 20, 204-210.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
Action | Category | |
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Use livestock fences that are permeable to wildlife Action Link |
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Use livestock fences that are permeable to wildlife
A study in 1988–1989 of shrubland and grassland along a national park boundary in Montana, USA (Scott 1992) found that wild ungulates crossed a fence with a triangular cross-section (buck-and-pole fence) with varying success rates. Fence crossing success rates (away from gates) were mule deer Odocoileus hemionus: 85% of fence approaches, pronghorn Antilocapra americana: 72%, bison Bison bison: 46%, elk Cervus canadensis: 17%. Most bison crossings were achieved by damaging the fence. Other animals were generally able to pass through or below it. Some animals that did not cross the fence walked along until they found an open gate. The fence was 3.8 km long, had a width at the bottom of 165–175 cm and narrowed to a point at a height of 165–185 cm. Four rails were set on a slope on one side (the lowest being 25–59 cm above the ground). The other side comprised a single rail, 65–85 cm above the ground. Animal crossings were monitored by identifying tracks in snow, 10.5–109 hours after storms, on eight occasions from 5 January to 8 March 1988 and eight occasions from 16 November 1988 to 14 March 1989.
(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
Output references
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