A technique for preventing wildlife intrusion via the intersection between drainage ditches and fences: Deer, macaque, raccoon dog, fox, and badger damage management

Abstract

Properly installed and maintained fences are effective for mitigating crop damage by mammals; however, drainage ditches intersect fences and reduce the fence effectiveness. Cattle gates and deer exclusion grates are developed for road crossings and the techniques are effective. This study aimed to develop techniques for enclosing the space between ditches and fences. Electrified lines are commonly used for preventing wildlife intrusion, but wildlife are often able to cross such fences; therefore, an electrified mesh was used. The electrified metal mesh was hung like a curtain. The technique was found to prevent over 98% of intrusion by wildlife. The effectiveness of the technique was high and this technique improves the fence effectiveness. This is the first study on reducing wildlife intrusions using ditches.