Reducing barriers for pronghorns in Sask.
The accumulation of snow in the southwest this winter has presented a dilemma for local wildlife, making it difficult for them to travel their usual routes. Pronghorn in particular find deep snow difficult because they duck underneath fence lines rather than jumping over them.
Some types of human-made features, such as fences, can be barriers and traps for wildlife, causing injury
and unnecessary fatalities. Seasonal migrations and in-season movements are critical to maintaining Pronghorn Antelope populations. Factors that impede these movements can negatively affect populations. Difficulty navigating under low barbed-wire fences can increase stress, reduce fitness and leave pronghorn with characteristic injuries and loss of hair to their backs, which can lead to infection and death.
One solution is to replace the bottom barbed strand with double-stranded smooth wire and adjusted at 16”18” minimum off the ground. This modification allows for antelope to cross the fence by crawling under the bottom wire, while still containing domestic livestock.
Antelope migration has been studied over the past several years. Understanding migration patterns is key to developing effective, cost-effective stewardship programs. Both the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment have developed long term strategies for Pronghorn Antelope on the Northern Great Plains.
The South of the Divide Conservation Action Program (SODCAP Inc.), in cooperation with the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA), is seeking out agricultural producers in key areas in
southwest Saskatchewan to voluntarily enter into conservation agreements.
“These conservation agreements will allow for the retro fitting or removal of existing fences, as well as, the construction of antelope friendly fences that are more conducive to Antelope movement,” explained Chad Macpherson, General Manager of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association. “Financial incentives are available to landowners for infrastructure modifications and the long term maintenance of the fences.”
Priority areas include primary Pronghorn Antelope migration routes in southwest Saskatchewan, shown on the map below.
“Wildlife must travel across landscapes to find food, shelter, and water for survival,” explained Chuck Lees, Assistant Executive Director, Fish, Wildlife and Lands Branch, Ministry of Environment. “By tailoring fence design and placement, producers can prevent injury to wildlife and lessen wildlife damage to fences. Many of these methods are low-cost and can save money in the long-run.”
This initiative is being funded by the US National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), with in kind support from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) and SODCAP Inc. The project will also contribute to the” Northern Great Plains Plan” of the US National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (https://www. nfwf.org/programs/northern-great-plains-program), and the Saskatchewan’s “Management Plan for Pronghorn in Saskatchewan 2019-2028” (https://publications. saskatchewan.ca/#/products/102544).