Wildlife fences are constructed for a variety of reasons including to prevent the spread of diseases, protect wildlife from poachers, and to help manage small populations of threatened species. Human-wildlife conflict is another common reason for building fences: Wildlife can damage valuable livestock, crops, or infrastructure, some species carry diseases of agricultural concern, and a few threaten human lives. At the same time, people kill wild animals for food, trade, or to defend lives or property, and human activities degrade wildlife habitat. Separating people and wildlife by fencing can appear to be a mutually benecial way to avoid such detrimental effects. But in a paper in the journal Science, published today, April 4th, 2014, WCS and ZSL scientists review the 'pros and cons' of large scale fencing and argue that fencing should only be used as a last resort.

Although fencing can have conservation benefits, it also has costs. When areas of contiguous wildlife habitat are converted into islands, the resulting small and isolated populations are prone to extinction, and the resulting loss of predators and other larger-bodied species can affect interactions between species in ways that cause further local extinctions, a process which has been termed "ecological meltdown."

"In some parts of the world, fencing is part of the culture of wildlife conservation -- it's assumed that all wildlife areas have to be fenced. But fencing profoundly alters ecosystems, and can cause some species to disappear. We're asking that conservationists as well as other sectoral interests carefully weigh up the biodiversity costs and benefits of new and existing fences," said ZSL's Rosie Woodroffe, lead author of the study.

In addition to their ecosystem-wide impact, fences do not always achieve their specific aims. Construction of fences to reduce human-wildlife conflict has been successful in some places but the challenges of appropriate fence design, location, construction, and maintenance mean that fences often fail to deliver the anticipated benefits. Ironically, in some places, fences also provide poachers with a ready supply of wire for making snares.

Co-author Simon Hedges of WCS said: "A variety of alternative approaches -- including better animal husbandry, community-based crop-guarding, insurance schemes, and wildlife-sensitive land-use planning -- can be used to mitigate conicts between people and wildlife without the need for fencing. WCS projects working with local people and government agencies have shown that human-elephant conflict can be dramatically reduced without using fences in countries as different as Indonesia and Tanzania."

Co-author Sarah Durant of ZSL's said, "An increased awareness of the damage caused by fencing is leading to movements to remove fences instead of building more. Increasingly, fencing is seen as backwards step in conservation."

The desire to separate livestock from wildlife in order to create zones free from diseases such as foot and mouth has resulted in extensive fencing systems, particularly in southern Africa. Some of these fences have had devastating environmental effects. Fortunately, it is increasingly recognized that a combination of improved testing, vaccination, and standardized approaches to meat preparation can prevent spread of diseases without the need to separate cattle from wildlife by fencing.

The authors conclude that as climate change increases the importance of facilitating wildlife mobility and maintaining landscape connectivity, fence removal may become an important form of climate change preparedness, and so fencing of wildlife should be avoided whenever possible.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by Wildlife Conservation Society. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

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Large-scale fences can cause ecological meltdown, study shows

The infamous suburban privacy fence is to be no more in Cranberry for those homeowners who want privacy in the front yard.

Township supervisors approved new regulations Tuesday that will restrict front-yard fences that dont meet a new set of criteria codified in a new ordinance.

Planning director Ron Henshaw said the regulations arent so much about aesthetics as they are about safety, though he acknowledged that the issue came to the forefront a few months ago following a dispute between neighbors over landscaping.

Really, this is all about protecting the safety of residents, he commented.

The new ordinance, which has been in the works for a few months and was reviewed during a workshop session last Thursday then approved Tuesday, pertain to fences or walls that are more than 3 feet in height and are within a certain section of the front yards of homes.

A fence taller than 3 feet cannot be erected in the front-yard setback area, which is a band of yard parallel to the street. The width of the setback band measures 25 feet in a residential district zoned R-3 (multifamily dwellings); within 40 feet for an R-2 district (a typical residential neighborhood); or within 50 feet in a district zoned R-1 (homes with large yards).

A $50 permit will be required to cover the costs of evaluating whether the proposed fence meets the new township restrictions.

Until now, the township had few restrictions involving fences except to require fencing around a swimming pool and a building permit for fences over 6 feet in height to ensure structural stability.

The concern over front-yard fences emerged in the fall when one resident erected a fence following an argument with a neighbor over landscaping. It was a 6-foot solid, wood stockade fence. There was nothing we could do about it, Mr. Henshaw said, though it was determined that the fence impacted site distance from the property owners driveway, creating what the township viewed as a potential traffic hazard. The resident has since moved and the fence was removed.

There are a variety of stipulations, among them that no fence greater than 3 feet will be permitted within 14 feet of the back edge of a street curb or within 6 feet of the back edge of a sidewalk, whichever is greater. Also, any fence over 3 feet in height mustconsist of pickets or cross-members with clear openings of at least 4 inches.

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No more privacy fences in Cranberry front yards

Sub-Saharan migrants climb over a metallic fence that divides Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Friday March 28, 2014. Officials said several hundred African migrants tried to cross barbed-wire border fences to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla from Morocco but most were turned back by security forces from both sides. An Interior Ministry spokesman in Melilla said the migrants attempted to scale the fences several times early Friday and a handful managed to get across. Thousands of migrants seeking a better life in Europe are living illegally in Morocco, hoping they can enter Melilla and Spain's other north African coastal enclave, Ceuta. (AP Photo/Santi Palacios)The Associated Press

Sub-Saharan migrants encourage others migrants climbing over a metallic fence that divides Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Friday March. 28, 2014. Officials say several hundred African migrants tried to cross barbed-wire border fences to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla from Morocco but most were turned back by security forces from both sides. An Interior Ministry spokesman in Melilla said the migrants attempted to scale the fences several times early Friday and a handful managed to get across. Thousands of migrants seeking a better life in Europe are living illegally in Morocco, hoping they can enter Melilla and Spain's other north African coastal enclave, Ceuta. (AP Photo/ Santi Palacios)The Associated Press

Sub-Saharan migrants climb over a metallic fence that divides Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Friday March 28, 2014. Officials said several hundred African migrants tried to cross barbed-wire border fences to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla from Morocco but most were turned back by security forces from both sides. An Interior Ministry spokesman in Melilla said the migrants attempted to scale the fences several times early Friday and a handful managed to get across. Thousands of migrants seeking a better life in Europe are living illegally in Morocco, hoping they can enter Melilla and Spain's other north African coastal enclave, Ceuta. (AP Photo/Santi Palacios)The Associated Press

Sub-Saharan migrants watch as others climbing over a metallic fence that divides Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Friday March 28, 2014. Officials say several hundred African migrants tried to cross barbed-wire border fences to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla from Morocco but most were turned back by security forces from both sides. An Interior Ministry spokesman in Melilla said the migrants attempted to scale the fences several times early Friday and a handful managed to get across. Thousands of migrants seeking a better life in Europe are living illegally in Morocco, hoping they can enter Melilla and Spain's other north African coastal enclave, Ceuta. (AP Photo/Santi Palacios)The Associated Press

Police officers cordon off the area as sub-Saharan migrants climb over a metallic fence that divides Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Friday March 28, 2014. Officials said several hundred African migrants tried to cross barbed-wire border fences to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla from Morocco but most were turned back by security forces from both sides. An Interior Ministry spokesman in Melilla said the migrants attempted to scale the fences several times early Friday and a handful managed to get across. Thousands of migrants seeking a better life in Europe are living illegally in Morocco, hoping they can enter Melilla and Spain's other north African coastal enclave, Ceuta. (AP Photo/ Santi Palacios)The Associated Press

MELILLA, Spain Spanish and Moroccan police have thwarted a fresh attempt by dozens of African migrants to try to scale border fences and enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla.

Some 25 migrants remained atop the fences hours after the attempted crossing began at 9 a.m. (0700 GMT) Thursday while Spanish police stood guard nearby.

Two migrants clung to the top of a lamp post by the fences.

Thousands of sub-Saharan migrants seeking a better life in Europe live illegally in Morocco and regularly try to enter Melilla in the hope of later making it to mainland Spain.

Morocco and Spain have stepped up border vigilance since Feb. 6, when 15 migrants drowned trying to enter Spain's other north African coastal enclave, Ceuta.

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African migrants stay perched on border fence after failed bid to enter Spanish enclave

Group of African migrants tried to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla Around 25 men stayed on the fence for seven hours during standoff Eventually coaxed down and turned over to Moroccan police

By Sara Malm

Published: 11:20 EST, 3 April 2014 | Updated: 15:45 EST, 3 April 2014

Their hands and feet bloodied by the wire, these desperate immigrants clung onto a fence for seven hours today in a desperate bid to start a new life in Spain.

The group were pictured as Spanish and Moroccan police engaged them in stand-off as they tried to cross the border from Africa.

Dozens of migrants attempted to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla on Thursday but ended up clinging to the top of metal fences while Spanish border patrols tried to convince them to hand themselves over.

At least 25 migrants, many with bloody bare feet, clung to the tops of fences for hours, shouting slogans and calling for help to enter Spain.

'Freedom': Sub-Saharan migrant shout slogans and wave as they sit on top of a metallic fence that divides Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla

A sub-Saharan migrant climbs down a fence before being detained and sent back to the Moroccan side by Spanish Guardia Civil officers after climbing a metallic fence that divides Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla

After a seven-hour standoff, border patrol managed to coax most of the immigrants down from the fence, gave them water and turned them over to Moroccan police.

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African migrants cling on to border fences for seven hours

Fences 2mins13secs
Only on Malayalam Television USA Pravasikalude Swantham Channel http://www.Malayalamiptv.net.

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Cedar Rustic Fence Co. has built a tradition of craftsmanship since our inception in 1927. We build quality into our fences every step of the way. We start by buying materials directly from mills and manufacturers. No middlemen. This allows us to buy the highest quality materials at reasonable prices. Next, we personally fabricate our cedar, vinyl and aluminum fences. Each fence is built to our customer's specifications. Since we don't use middlemen to fabricate our fences we are able to build the fence from an installer's perspective. We are more focused on servicing our customers for the long-term, than cutting corners during manufacturing. Finally, we use the most experienced installation crews in the industry. Each crew leader goes through a rigorous certification process before they can install fences for Cedar Rustic Fence Co.

Whether you are looking for a natural wood grain cedar fence, an epic American vinyl fence, or a timeless aluminum fence - look no further. Cedar Rustic Fence Co. will help satisfy all your fencing needs.

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Fencing - Cedar Fence, Vinyl Fence, Aluminum Fence ...

April 2, 2014

TIVERTON, R.I. Freshman Kabisa Baughen (Sarasota, Fla.) pinned first in open fences and senior Sophia Rabb (Weston, Mass.) took first in novice fences at the Region One Finals at Claddagh Farm on Saturday, earning a chance to represent Brown equestrian at the Zone One Finals on April 5.

Thirteen riders represented the Bears at the regional finals after qualifying at the Region One Show on March 22, and Brown's baker's dozen competed for one of two Zones qualifying spots in each division. Baughen and Rabb secured bids with their top-spot finishes, while sophomore Tess Carter (Tucson, Ariz.) and Rabb placed third on intermediate flat and novice flat, respectively, to narrowly miss Zones qualification.

Baughen's open fences ride on Calvin and Rabb's novice fences performance on Jenny took top honors, while Carter and Rabb both got a call back before taking third in their events. In the field of 15 riders over three walk trot canter divisions, all Brown participants finished in the top 10, led by senior Laura Kirk (Needham, Mass.) who handled Dunkin to a seventh-place showing. Walk trot completed the day and senior Shannon Whittaker (Jamaica, N.Y.) had a strong ride on Milo to place seventh.

Baughen and Rabb will compete at Zones on Saturday, April 5, at Mount Holyoke in South Hadley, Mass. The pair will aim to pin first or second in the events in order to qualify for the 2014 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championships, which will be held on May 1-4 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa.

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Baughen, Rabb Qualify for Zones, Equestrian Competes at Region One Finals

Amateur jockey will be on board 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero as the nine-year-old bids for victory

Sam Waley-Cohen is hoping Long Run can help him keep up his fine record over the Grand National fences at Aintree on Saturday.

The amateur jockey will be on board 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero as the nine-year-old bids for victory in the Crabbies Grand National.

Waley-Cohen has ridden in the Aintree marathon four times and finished fifth on Liberthine a half-sister to Long Run - and second (2011) and fourth on Oscar Time (2013).

He has also won over the National course four times. Katarino claimed back-to-back victories in the Fox Hunters Chase in 2005 and 2006, while Liberthine landed the 2006 Topham Chase.

Now he is looking to achieve his dream and land the worlds greatest steeplechase on the Nicky Henderson-trained Long Run, who is owned by Waley-Cohens father Robert.

The amateur rider said: The Grand National, even riding in it never mind winning it, was an early dream of mine when I started out riding horses.

In pictures: Old Grand National photos transformed into colour

Its a race that has been very kind to me and as Long Run has had such an impact on the life of everybody in our family, it would be amazing if he could win it. Its the greatest race in racing.

Weve no regrets about not going for the Gold Cup this year. There were a whole host of them with a chance at the last and wed like to think he would have been bang there if he'd run, but it just felt right to miss it this year.

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Grand National 2014: Sam Waley-Cohen hoping Long Run can keep up fine Aintree record

Free the Sellafield Deer
Sellafield have put up extra security fences extending the largest nuclear site in Europe to include woodlands trapping deer and other wildlife. Now they wan...

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Free the Sellafield Deer - Video

Illite Over Fences 3/2014 - For Sale
5 year old Oldenburg Gelding - For Sale.

By: Rancho Pura Vida

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Illite Over Fences 3/2014 - For Sale - Video