Disturbing find on remote farm property highlights ongoing hazard to wildlife
It's a common product on Australian farms but it's killing our wildlife.
WARNING — CONFRONTING IMAGE: Barbed wire fences have remained relatively unchanged since it was first fashioned by Americans in the 1860s, but centuries on their design is harming wildlife thousands of kilometres away in Australia.
An alarming photo taken at a remote Cardwell range property two hours north of Townsville highlights the problem. It shows a protected tube-nosed fruit bat caught on the barbs of two strings of wire.
By the time a wildlife rescuer stopped her car and examined it the poor creature was long dead. Unable to untangle itself from the fence, it likely died a slow agonising death.
Barbed wire helps keep stock inside farms, but it's problematic as it often snares native animals. It has been an ongoing issue for years, with Yahoo having raised the issue on numerous occasions.
It's been photographed killing kangaroos.
As well as birds and bats.
Overseas, it harms large mammals like deer.
How to prevent barbed-wire deaths
Phil England from Stonedeaf Wildlife Townsville shared the image to social media, reminding people who own property there are simple measures they can take to reduce animal deaths.
Because 86 per cent of wildlife caught in fences is snared by the top strand, he suggested replacing the top strand with plain wire that nocturnal animals and birds can clearly see.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Mr England said replacing wires in “hotspots” where bats are known to congregate to find food is particularly important.
“The problem is they just can’t see it,” he said. “It’s a harsh reality that barbed wire kills a lot of animals, even sugar gliders and possums.”
He says there are companies as well as wildlife volunteers who are willing to assist property owners to help reduce the problem. “We’re not saying they’re evil or anything silly. It’s just that we can do better,” he said.
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