Fencing is one of the most cost effective ways for controlling wallabies and pademelons entering a property. However, wallaby-proof fences involve a change of thinking in fencing technique, mostly because wallabies and wombats are so good at going under them.
The first step in effectively controlling native species is to identify the species you are dealing with. Our Browsing Wildlife Species has useful information:
The next step is understanding when you have a problem, and making a plan to combat browsing losses:
Photos of farmer's experiences with wallaby fencing
The topics below demonstrate key principles of wallaby fencing showing photos of farmer's experiences:
- fences that work well
- weaknesses that can happen in wallaby proof fences
Echidnas and electric fences
Echidnas can be easily caught up in electric fences which results in their death by electrocution.
When constructing an electric fence ensure the first electrified wire is at least 250mm above the ground surface. This will enable echidnas to move under the wire without getting it caught under their quills and delivering them a continuous electric shock.
Echidnas are most active in the landscape during the mating season of June to September so electric wires positioned within the height of echidnas could be disconnected from the electricity for this period.