Exclusion fencing is a specialized barrier managing interactions between human activities, agriculture, and wildlife. These fences control specific animal movement, either containing them or preventing entry. This tool mitigates conflicts and protects resources from animal damage.
Defining Exclusion Fencing
Exclusion fencing is a purpose-built physical barrier preventing specific animal species from crossing a defined boundary. Unlike general fencing, its tailored construction anticipates and counters target animal behaviors and capabilities. The design creates an impassable obstacle, making it difficult for animals to bypass, climb, dig under, or push through.
This specialized configuration is influenced by the species’ biology and habits. For instance, a fence deterring digging animals incorporates buried sections, while one targeting climbers features height and potential overhang. This species-specific engineering distinguishes exclusion fencing from conventional barrier systems.
Animals Targeted and Reasons for Use
Exclusion fencing manages diverse animal species to mitigate impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and native ecosystems. It primarily controls pest animals causing economic damage. Wild pigs, for example, devastate crops and pastures by rooting. Dingoes and coyotes threaten livestock, necessitating exclusion to protect herds.
Smaller pests like rabbits and rodents damage crops and tree saplings. Rabbit-proof fencing prevents these prolific breeders accessing agricultural land. Foxes, preying on poultry and small livestock, are another target. These barriers safeguard agricultural investments and food security.
Beyond agricultural damage, exclusion fencing addresses native wildlife impact. Deer, kangaroos, and wallabies, though native, damage crops, horticultural plantings, and pose road collision hazards. Fencing redirects their movements from sensitive areas, reducing property damage and enhancing safety. Fences also contain specific livestock within designated pastures, especially where their presence might negatively impact sensitive natural habitats or interact with wild populations.
Limiting movement of animal disease vectors, fences help control outbreaks in wildlife and domestic populations. This reduces the risk of zoonotic diseases or devastating livestock industries. Thus, strategic placement serves multiple purposes, from protecting livelihoods to preserving ecological balance and public health.
Common Designs and Materials
Exclusion fencing effectiveness relies on design and materials counteracting target animal behaviors. For jumpers or climbers like deer or kangaroos, fences are typically constructed over 8 feet high. To deter digging animals like rabbits or wild pigs, fence material is buried inches or feet below ground, sometimes with an outward-facing apron to prevent adjacent burrowing.
Mesh size and wire gauge are important design considerations. Finer mesh or netting excludes smaller animals like birds from vineyards or rodents from storage, preventing them from squeezing through. Larger, stronger wire is used for bigger animals exerting more force. Electric components are often integrated as an additional deterrent, including electrified strands or sections delivering a non-lethal shock to discourage persistent animals.
Common materials include woven wire for flexibility and durability, and high-tensile wire for strength and tension over long spans. Netting, chain link, and specialized panels are used depending on the application. Additional features like outriggers, extending horizontally from the top, or specialized gates prevent animal passage, enhancing efficacy.
Key Considerations for Implementation
Successful exclusion fencing requires careful planning beyond the fence structure. A thorough site assessment is paramount, evaluating terrain, existing vegetation, and water source proximity. Understanding these factors helps determine effective fence alignment and construction, ensuring the barrier remains effective despite natural variations. Uneven terrain, for instance, may necessitate specific post-installation techniques or specialized fence panels.
Understanding target species behavior is equally important. Knowledge of an animal’s typical jumping height, digging depth, or ability to chew materials informs fence design. This behavioral insight ensures the fence effectively counters the animal’s natural tendencies. For example, a deer fence needs to account for their impressive leaping abilities.
Ongoing maintenance is required for effective exclusion fences. Regular inspections identify and repair damage from animals, weather, or vegetation growth, which can compromise integrity. Neglecting maintenance quickly renders an expensive fence ineffective, allowing target animals to breach. While initial investment can be substantial, acknowledging cost implications upfront helps budget for construction and long-term upkeep.
Finally, considering regulatory aspects and environmental impacts is important. Local regulations or permits may be required for certain fence constructions, particularly those of significant height or length. Designers must also consider the fence’s potential impact on non-target species or disruption of wildlife corridors, striving to minimize negative ecological consequences. This comprehensive approach ensures the fence achieves its purpose while minimizing broader impacts.