Study

Electric fences for reducing sheep losses to predators

  • Published source details Nass R.D. & Theade J. (1988) Electric fences for reducing sheep losses to predators. Journal of Range Management, 41, 251-252.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Install electric fencing to reduce predation of livestock by mammals to reduce human-wildlife conflict

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Install electric fencing to reduce predation of livestock by mammals to reduce human-wildlife conflict

    A replicated, before-and-after study in 1984–1985 of 51 sheep producers in Oregon, Washington and California, USA (Nass & Theade 1988) found that installing electric fencing reduced predation of sheep by coyotes Canis latrans. The number of sheep killed by coyotes each year was lower during two or more years after electric fencing was installed (average 3.5 sheep/year; 0.3%) than during 1–7 years before (average 41 sheep/year; 3.9%). Results were similar when sheep losses were included for producers that had electric fencing installed for one year only (before: 4.3% of sheep killed; after 0.7% killed; numbers not reported). More producers lost no sheep to coyotes after electric fencing was installed (28 of 51, 55%) than before (5 of 51, 10%). In 1984–1985, a total of 51 sheep producers that used electric fencing were interviewed. Electric fences enclosed areas of 1–1,550 ha containing 20–20,000 sheep. Sheep losses to coyotes were recorded during 1–7 years before electric fencing was installed and during one year (five producers) or two or more years (46 producers) after.

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust