Cost effective drift fences for toads and newts

Abstract

AbstractThe construction, cost and performance of toad and newt drift fences and associated traps used at three study sites is described. Fence efficiency, in terms of the capture of animals immigrating to breeding sites, was calculated to lie between 39 and 63% of the estimated breeding population for the common toad (Bufo bufo), and between 45 and 61% for the crested newt (Triturus cristatus). Fences were consistently less efficient at intercepting emigrating animals; less than 10% of toads and between 34 and 40% of newts were captured. Cost and performance of the systems are compared with data from the literature.