Tortoise mortality along fence lines in the Karoo region of South Africa

Lee, Alan T. K.; Macray, Matt B.; Ryan, Peter G.; Alexander, Graham J.

doi:10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125945

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…While predator‐exclusion fences have obvious benefits for the protected species, they can impact on non‐target native species by disrupting movement and dispersal or by causing mortality through exposure or entanglement (Ferronato et al, 2014; Smith et al, 2020). In Africa, high‐voltage electric fences designed to restrain dangerous wildlife can kill tortoises (Holt et al, 2021; Lee et al, 2021). The lowest electrified strand on our fences was 210 mm above the ground to allow smaller animals to pass underneath, particularly turtles and echidnas.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Modern extinctions are occurring at a rate that overshadows any previous extinction scenarios (McCallum, 2021), with turtles among the world's most imperilled vertebrates (Rhodin et al, 2021). Across the globe, turtle populations continue to decline despite decades of conservation effort (Lovich et al, 2018;Páez et al, 2015). In Australia, 8 of the 25 native freshwater turtle species recognized by the Australian Society of Herpetologists ( 2023) are currently listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A shocking result—Electric fences protect western saw‐shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii) nests from depredation by foxes

Streeting

Dillon²,

Nesbitt³

et al. 2023

Austral Ecology

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Introduced red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are a major predator of freshwater turtle nests in Australia. We evaluated the effectiveness of electric fences, in combination with individual nest protection, for shielding western saw‐shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii: Chelidae) nests from predation by foxes. We compared the numbers of raided and intact turtle nests found in paired fenced treatment and unfenced control areas of streambank. We also individually protected all intact nests found in both area types with wire mesh or a steel cage. The total numbers of nests found in treatment and control areas did not significantly differ from parity, but significantly more intact nests were found in treatment areas and significantly more raided nests in control areas. The fences were occasionally damaged by livestock, wildlife and flooding, rendering them inoperative for varying periods of time until repair. However, foxes raided nests inside the fences on only two occasions, despite these breaks in functionality. Our study demonstrates that electric fences can provide an effective method of protecting entire nesting areas from depredation by foxes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A shocking result—Electric fences protect western saw‐shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii) nests from depredation by foxes

Streeting

Dillon²,

Nesbitt³

et al. 2023

Austral Ecology

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The influence of fence design on the movement patterns of eastern long‐necked turtles

Dowling,

Bower,

Boscarino‐Gaetano

et al. 2024

J Wildl Manag

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Fences disturb the movements of terrestrial species, altering migration patterns, limiting access to vital resources, and reducing genetic diversity. With almost 40% of the Earth's land surface converted for agriculture, farm fencing to protect crops and corral livestock is expected to stretch into the millions of kilometers. As semi‐terrestrial ectotherms, freshwater turtles are threatened by fences that limit access to resources and increase risks of desiccation, entanglement, and overheating, often resulting in death. To determine the effect of fences, we quantified the movement patterns for a population of eastern long‐necked turtles (Chelodina longicollis) inhabiting an agricultural landscape near Armidale, New South Wales, Australia from November 2022 to September 2023. There was considerable variation in the distance traveled, home range size, and movement corridor selection between turtles that was not explained by the morphological factors of size, mass, or the loss of a limb (likely due to predation attempts). On average, 38% ± 4.70 ( ± SE) of turtle movements were terrestrial (overland) during their active season (spring and summer) during which they encountered fences frequently because of a complex matrix of paddocks. Fence design dictated the distance turtles traveled to locate a suitable passage point. The majority of fences allowed turtles to pass (turtle‐friendly fences, 71.4% of total fence distance) as opposed to turtle‐unfriendly fences (28.6% of total fence distance). Turtles were required to travel almost 4 times the distance to locate a suitable crossing point (a gap or fault in the fence) when they encountered an unfriendly fence (85.32 m ± 29.81) compared to a turtle‐friendly fence (25.85 m ± 3.58). Our results highlight the need for land managers to avoid small‐diameter exclusion fencing and fence designs containing chicken wire that extend to or below ground level. In settings where small‐diameter wire fencing is required, we recommend the installation of turtle gates for small terrestrial fauna or elevating bottom wires at least 50 mm above ground level to facilitate fence permeability.

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Navigating agricultural landscapes: responses of critically endangered giant tortoises to farmland vegetation and infrastructure

et al. 2022

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Tortoise mortality along fence lines in the Karoo region of South Africa

Cited by 4 publications

References 32 publications

A shocking result—Electric fences protect western saw‐shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii) nests from depredation by foxes

A shocking result—Electric fences protect western saw‐shelled turtle (Myuchelys bellii) nests from depredation by foxes

The influence of fence design on the movement patterns of eastern long‐necked turtles

Navigating agricultural landscapes: responses of critically endangered giant tortoises to farmland vegetation and infrastructure

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