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An Adaptive Monitoring Programme for Studying Impacts Along the Western Boundary Fence of Kruger National Park, South Africa

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Fencing for Conservation

Abstract

In this chapter, we introduce and test our participatory and adaptive Fence Incident Surveillance System (FISS), which monitors wild mammal permeability to fencing, and the damage to these structures that a number of species of African large mammals can cause along a 90 km pilot study section of the western boundary fence of Kruger National Park. The FISS methodology highlights the need for a continuation of fence permeability monitoring and we suggest that participatory monitoring and the communal management of fences should also be encouraged.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Drs. Roy Bengis and Dewald Keet of the State Veterinary Services for their consistent support. We also extend our thanks to Dr. Rina Grant of SANParks. Mr. Patrick Baloyi and Mr. Robert Mshlanga (of DAFF) aided us in many ways; we are in your debt. This research was funded by USFWS Grant Afe-0401 to Professor Elissa Cameron and WWF-SA Grant 1490 to Mr. Ken Ferguson and Dr. Rina Grant as part of a designated SANParks Special Project. This chapter is dedicated to the memory of the late Simon Thirgood.

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Ferguson, K., Adam, L., Jori, F. (2012). An Adaptive Monitoring Programme for Studying Impacts Along the Western Boundary Fence of Kruger National Park, South Africa. In: Somers, M., Hayward, M. (eds) Fencing for Conservation. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0902-1_7

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