Simple fence modification to facilitate huemul Hippocamelus bisulcus movement across forestry lands

Abstract

Fencing to contain livestock movement, demarcate properties and protect economic assets has been one of the main factors restricting wildlife movement. However, research assessing the impact of fences on large mammals in southern South America is scarce. We modified livestock fences by clipping the bottom wire to enable endangered huemul deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus) to cross in and out of forest plantations. Huemul showed a preference for crossing through areas where bottom wire strands had been removed. There was also a greater crossing frequency for fences located at lower elevation. Implementation of this simple management technique increased the availability of crossing areas, thereby facilitating huemul movement. Further fence modifications must seek to improve conditions of intervening habitat where huemul live and move, and thus prevent further population decline of this threatened species.