Australian birds could benefit from predator exclusion fencing. Issue 4 (22nd February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ringma, Jeremy; Barnes, Megan D.; Bode, Michael
• Is Part Of: Conservation science and practice. Volume 2:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-02-22
• Subjects: conservation fence -- feral predator -- introduced species -- predation -- wildlife management; Biodiversity conservation -- Periodicals; Biodiversity conservation; Periodicals; 333.951605
• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.168
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2578-4854

Abstract

Abstract: The use of predator exclusion fencing is widely recognized as one of the most effective mechanisms for protecting threatened fauna from introduced or overabundant predators. It is now used throughout the world to protect avian fauna. In Australia, where predator exclusion fencing is used extensively to protect threatened mammals, such fences for threatened avifauna are surprisingly sparse. In this perspective we demonstrate that (a) the use of predator exclusion fences for avifauna is popular in other countries with similar conservation problems, (b) a large number of Australian avian species could benefit from dedicated predator exclusion fences, and (c) despite legitimate concerns, if well designed, predator exclusion fences can pose little risk to threatened birds or are outweighed by the potential benefits. We believe wider use of predator exclusion fencing to protect Australian threatened birds could be highly beneficial and should be more regularly considered as a management action by conservation practitioners.