Ungulate exclusion fencing for restoration cores

Type
preventive
Habitats
wet forest, mesic forest, dry forest, subalpine
Cost
Very high upfront ($15–$50/linear foot) but essential for most restoration success.

Summary

Exclusion fencing is often the single highest-leverage investment in Hawaiian restoration. Without it, regeneration of most native species is negligible.

Protocol

1. Assess target ungulates (pigs, goats, deer, cattle) — different fence specs. 2. Survey line; avoid steep faces and gulches where practical. 3. Install 6-ft tall hog fence (pig) or 7-ft woven wire (deer). 4. Bury or L-footer bottom 30 cm to prevent pig rooting. 5. Conduct initial snare/drive effort to remove enclosed animals. 6. Monitor and repair fence monthly; annual full inspection.

Safety

Helicopter materials drops common on remote sites. Standard fencing and ungulate removal safety training required.

Efficacy

Transformative when executed and maintained. Regeneration follows within 2–5 years in most sites.
Record 20000000Updated 4/17/2026