For decades, fencing has been used worldwide to separate wildlife from people, protect forests, and regulate access to sensitive landscapes. However, a new study from China now shows that one such conservation method might be triggering some unintended ecological consequences. Researchers have documented numerous wild animals becoming trapped, injured and killed along a 135-kilometre blade fence surrounding Mount Tai in China. The study highlights that this sharp structure may also be disrupting wildlife movement across eastern China’s most ecologically important mountain landscapes.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!