Effects of fences and fence gaps on the movement behavior of three southern African antelope species

Globally, migratory ungulates are affected by fences. While field observational studies reveal the amount of animal–fence interactions across taxa, GPS tracking-based uncover fence effects on movement patterns and habitat selection. However, direct fences gaps behavior, especially based high-frequency tracking data, scarce. We used three common African antelopes ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros , Antidorcas marsupialis T. oryx ) with strategies ranging from range residency to nomadism in a semi-arid, Namibian savanna traversed wildlife-proof that elephants have regularly breached. classified major forms ungulate–fence interaction types seasonal daily scale. Furthermore, we recorded distances times spent at regarding total individual space use. Based this, analyzed animals’ behavior for previously defined interactions. Antelope-fence peaked during early hours day transitions when limiting resource changed between water forage. Major were quick, trace-like, or marked halts. found time was highest nomadic eland. Migratory springbok adjusted their use concerning gap positions. If small home ranges sedentary kudu included fence, they frequently interacted this fence. For eland, distance traveled along declined increasing utilization gap. All species reduced speed proximity but often increased encountering Crossing led speeds all species. demonstrate mainly occur crucial foraging (seasonal scale) directed movements (daily scale). Importantly, provide evidence directly alter antelope behaviors negative implications energy budgets persistent can reduce intensity such alterations. Our findings help guide future insights wildlife fencing planning.