Wombat gates effectively exclude browsing mammals from pasture and allow passage of common wombats
Michael M. Driessen
A C , Rosemary Gales A , Katharina Hehn A , Elise Dewar A and Guy Dobner B
A Natural Values Science Section, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, PO Box 44, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
B Swanmoor, Saltwater River, Tas. 7186, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: michael.driessen@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
Australian Mammalogy 42(3) 375-379 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM19066
Submitted: 28 November 2019 Accepted: 15 February 2020 Published: 27 March 2020
Abstract
The effectiveness of wombat gates to allow passage of common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) while excluding other browsing mammals was investigated on a grazing property using camera-traps. During a two-week study period, wombats passed through 17 gates frequently (633 passes) compared with the commonly occurring Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii, 33 passes) and red-necked wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus, 4 passes). Female wombats with young-at-foot passed through the gates together; however, occasionally they became separated on either side. Wombat gates were effective in providing passage for wombats and restricting passage by browsing macropods and in reducing damage to fences.
Additional keywords: browsing damage, camera-traps, exclusion fencing, human–wildlife conflicts.
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