Fencing affects African wild dog movement patterns and population dynamics

Abstract Wildlife fences are often considered an important tool in conservation. Fences used attempts to prevent human–wildlife conflict and reduce poaching, despite known negative impacts on landscape connectivity animal movement patterns. Such likely be particularly for wide-ranging species, such as the African wild dog Lycaon pictus , which requires large areas of continuous habitat fulfil its resource requirements. Laikipia County northern Kenya is area dogs but new wildlife increasingly being built this ecosystem. Using a long-term dataset from area's free-ranging population, we evaluated effect fence structure ability cross them. The extent impeded differed between designs, although individuals crossed all types. Purpose-built gaps increased passage through relatively impermeable fences. Nevertheless, low permeability can lead packs, or parts becoming trapped wrong side fence, with consequences population dynamics. Careful evaluation should given necessity erecting fences; ecological impact assessments incorporate patterns undertaken large-scale fencing interventions. Where unavoidable, projects use most permeable structures possible, both design including many purpose-built minimize wildlife.