Evaluating efficacy of fence markers in reducing greater sage-grouse collisions with fencing

View article.

This study found substantial evidence for the ability of all markers to reduce collisions (~ 57% reduction), with little difference between the tested marker types. It found strong evidence for lower collision probabilities at fences with wood posts and on fences farther from leks. Results also indicated a negative relationship between collision probabilities and the difference between fence and vegetation heights. There was little evidence for differences in collision risk between areas defined as “high” or “moderate” risk in a pre-existing collision risk map. Findings recommend integrating fence marking into conservation practices requiring fencing, and prioritizing fence marking near leks in areas with greater fence exposure.