Usage of Specialized Fence-Gaps in a Black Rhinoceros Conservancy in Kenya

Abstract

Fencing is increasingly used in wildlife conservation. Keeping wildlife segregated from local communities, while permitting wildlife access to the greater landscape matrix is a complex task. We investigated the effectiveness of specially designed fence-gaps on animal movement at a Kenyan rhinoceros conservancy, using camera-traps over a four-year period. The fence-gap design restricted the movement of black (Diceris bicornis) and white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum) but permitted the movement of other species. We documented over 6000 crossing events of over 50 000 individuals which used the fence-gaps to enter or leave the conservancy. We recorded 37 mammal species and two species of bird using the fence-gaps. We conclude that this fence-gap design is effective at restricting rhinoceros movement and at permitting other wildlife movement into and out of the conservancy. We recommend that fenced-in rhinoceros conservancies that desire enhanced connectivity consider this fence-gap design to help reconnect their reserves to the outside landscape matrix while continuing to provide enhanced protection for their rhinoceroses.

Game fence presence and permeability influences the local movement and distribution of South African mammals

“…The erection of a standard game fence may have resulted in differences observed in vegetation structure, differences that are likely to be caused by the differing herbivore pressures found either side of the fence (Todd and Hoffman 1999). However, it is plausible these effects may be limited by allowing the movement of wild fauna (Augustine et al 2011) through specific sized holes in a fence (Dupuis-Désormeaux et al 2016). In addition this could also potentially reduce the risk of genetic isolation of highly mobile and endangered species in areas where alternate barriers or conservancies are not feasible, while still restricting the movement of more valuable introduced species and livestock.…”

Selective fragmentation and the management of fish movement across anthropogenic barriers

“…Similarly, fence gaps consisting of loose rocks can prevent movements of black rhinoceros ( Diceris bicornis ) out of protected areas but allow passage by other mammals and birds (Dupuis‐Désormeaux et al. ). In many waterways, there often exists a need to allow passage of desirable species while blocking, or at least reducing, the passage of undesirable species, especially invasive fish species (Pratt et al.…”

“…Such selective passage is illustrated by the development of "wildlife-friendly" fences that constrain movement of livestock while allowing passage of native species such as pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana; Gates et al 2012). Similarly, fence gaps consisting of loose rocks can prevent movements of black rhinoceros (Diceris bicornis) out of protected areas but allow passage by other mammals and birds (Dupuis-D esormeaux et al 2016). In many waterways, there often exists a need to allow passage of desirable species while blocking, or at least reducing, the passage of undesirable species, especially invasive fish species (Pratt et al 2009, Rahel 2013, Starrs et al 2015.…”

Testing the effects of perimeter fencing and elephant exclosures on lion predation patterns in a Kenyan wildlife conservancy

“…Our study site displays characteristics of both an open and a closed system as it has a semi-porous perimeter fence where three migratory gaps (20–30 m wide) have been created in the perimeter fence to allow wildlife to move freely between the protected area and neighboring multi-use landscape ( Dupuis-Desormeaux et al, 2015 ). The first objective of this study was to investigate the effect of perimeter fencing on predation patterns in a semi-porous reserve, testing whether predators have learned to take advantage of perimeter fencing to increase hunting success.…”