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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 36(5)

Estimating the potential for reinvasion by mammalian pests through pest-exclusion fencing

Trevor A. Connolly A C , Tim D. Day B and Carolyn M. King A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.

B Xcluder™ Pest Proof Fencing Ltd, 99 Sala Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand.

C Corresponding author. Email: trev.connolly@xtra.co.nz

Wildlife Research 36(5) 410-421 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR09021
Submitted: 24 February 2009  Accepted: 29 April 2009   Published: 21 July 2009

Abstract

Pest mammals are completely excluded from Maungatautari Ecological Island, New Zealand, by a 47-km Xcluder pest-proof fence; however, they are commonly sighted directly outside, along the fenceline. Permanent pest exclusion relies on maintaining fence integrity, and enhancing knowledge of pest activity and behaviour at fenced reserves. We describe summer and winter periods of activity and behaviour of mammalian pests directly adjacent to the pest-proof fence. We (1) tested for the effects of adjacent habitat type, breach type and season on the rate of mammalian pest sightings directly at the fence, (2) determined how quickly pest mammals may locate a fence breach, and how likely they are to exploit it, and (3) developed a predictive model to help assess the probability of a pest gaining entry to the sanctuary if repair to a fence breach is delayed. Observations inside the rolled fence hood provided firm evidence that rats travel and forage extensively in this artificial although highly acceptable aboveground habitat, much more than on the ground. We confirm and emphasise that mammalian pests are constantly testing the pest-proof fence. Pests are very common directly outside the fence, and within 24 h there is a very high likelihood that a fence breach will be located and exploited. The greatest threat of reinvasion comes (1) nocturnally, (2) from rodents and (3) in the summer; however, these results also confirm that there is constant risk from multiple pest species, regardless of time of day or season.


Acknowledgements

The authors thank Xcluder™ Pest Proof Fencing Ltd for the use of equipment and ATV, Pim de Monchy and Tony Rolley (MEIT) for their support and assistance, and Ray Littler for statistical analysis. This research was approved by the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust Science and Research Committee, and by University of Waikato Animal Ethics Committee Protocol 671.


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