Organisation Guideline Date of Publication Country General Recommendations Materials Fence Depth Below Ground Anti-Dig Lip Anti-Climb Lip
English Nature (now Natural England) Great crested newt mitigation guidelines 2001 UK The fencing membrane should be as taut as possible without noticeable creases or folds which could allow newts to climb the fence. The fencing membrane should be of a type that will not break down or become brittle under exposure to the elements, notably UV light. ‘1000 gauge’ transparent polythene sheeting works well in many situations, as do woven polypropylene and black polythene DPC. Ensure that the sheet width is sufficient to permit the forming of the ‘under-lap’ and ‘top-curl’ (1m is sufficient for most fences). 20 cm (8 inches) 10 cm (4 inches) folded horizontally. 20 cm (8 inches) of material folded over twice to create a ’top curl’.
USFWS Desert Tortoise Fencing Specifications 2005 USA Fencing needs to be suitable for environmental conditions, for example desert fencing needs to stand up against strong winds, erosion, alkaline and acidic soils. Fences can be either buried or not depending on the target species. Fencing should be made using durable materials (i.e., 16 gauge or heavier). 1 inch horizontal by 2 inch vertical, galvanized welded wire, 36 inches in width. 30 cm (12 inches) If the fencing cannot be burried an anti-dig barrier can be placed above ground horizontally 36 cm (14 inches) -
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Common Toads and Roads: Guidance for planner and highways engineers (England) 2009 UK The bottom of the fence should be kept clear of vegetation to allow toads to move along the fencing boundary. Panels should be smooth to prevent toads climbing. - - The top edge of the fence should be bent over to prevent climbing.
Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads Fauna Sensitive Road Design Manual Volume 2: Preferred Practices (2010) 2010 Australia Fencing should be designed in close consultation with amphibian experts as different species have different requirements. Woven vinyl erosion control fencing with pre-attached wooden stakes. Preferably installed at the edge of the mowed road. Fencing for Frogs specifically fencing should consist of 5 mm insertion rubber clamped to a galvanised backing plate then attached to a chain wire fence. The current design is 40 cm (16 inches) high with plastic posts. 6cm - 10cm (2inches - 4inches) - A 15 cm (6 inches) wide sloped lip is recommended to discourage amphibian access.
Vic Roads Fauna sensitive road design guidelines 2012 Australia Fencing should be used to guide fauna towards crossing structures and should be used along both ends of fauna structures in order to prevent animal-vehicle collisions. Vegetation management is keys to ensuring that fences remain effective. Materials can consist of recycled polyethylene sheeting with galvanised star pickets or plastic Square Hallow Posts (SHS posts), galvanised roof purlin and galvanised SHS posts or fine wire mesh of less than 4 mm (0.15 inch) in diameter. 10cm (4inches) minimum - A pre-fabricated lip along the top of the fence is recommended.
Western Transport Institute, Montana State University Construction guidelines for wildlife fencing and associated escape and lateral access control measures 2015 USA Smooth plastic sheets (HDPE) or barrier wall (plastic, composite or concrete) is ideal but chain-link or mesh wire fencing with aluminium flashing can also be used. - - -
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Spain) Technical prescriptions for wildlife crossing and fence design (second edition, revised and expanded) 2016 Spain Fences for small vertebrates are usually installed as a reinforcement for the base of structures intended for large mammals. They must be placed outside and anchored to the conventional mesh. The standard 2 cm x 2 cm (0.8 inches x 0.8 inches) mesh size can be adapted on the basis of expert advice, depending on the target species. 1 x 1 cm (0.4 inches x 0.4 inches) is recommended for tortoises. 20cm (8inches) 30 cm (12 inches) folded horizontally. -
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Best Management Practices for Mitigating the Effects of Roads on Amphibians and Reptile Species at Risk in Ontario. 2016 Canada A mesh size of 0.63 cm (0.25 inches) or smaller should be used to reduce the risk of small snakes getting stuck in the fence. Standard chain-link fencing is not recommended for amphibians. Durable fencing materials include hardware cloth, chain link fencing, concrete barriers, and heavy-duty plastic fencing designed for wildlife. Nylon mesh fencing or erosion materials should not be used as snakes can become entangled and die. 10cm - 20cm (4inches - 8inches) - For reptiles, the fence should include an overhang lip extended away from the road to deter climbing
Wildlife Institute of India Eco-friendly measures to mitigate impacts of linear infrastructure on wildlife 2016 India Fencing should curve away from the top of the road to prevent tree frogs from climbing and should be at least 50 cm (20 inches) high. 100 cm (40 inch) high reinforced cement concrete wall. 20 cm (8 inches) - Anti-climb lip of 50 cm (20 inches).
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Guidelines for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation During Road Building and Management Activities in British Columbia 2020 Canada Fencing should have a solid, durable framework (stakes, posts, and sheeting) to provide an effective barrier for the target species and to withstand the weight of snow and impact of snow removal. When more than one species is targeted for mitigation, the fence should be the tallest height recommended for all target species. Opaque fence materials are recommended, especially where snakes or turtles occur. Mesh is not considered suitable fencing for wildlife. Use materials that allow drainage through or beneath the fence at wet sites to avoid water pooling at or near a crossing structure. 10 cm (4 inches) minimum - The top of the fence should be folded 10 cm – 20 cm (4 inches - 8 inches) wide to create a lip that is directed away from the road.
Caltrans Measures to Reduce Road Impacts on Amphibians and Reptiles in California: Best Management Practices and Technical Guidance 2021 USA A general heigh of 30-70cm (12-28 in) above ground is recommended, with tall barriers for agile species 150 cm (12-28 in). Solid visual barrier, injection-moulded or sheet plastic purpose-made panels. Polythene/geotextile/plastic material can also be used I some cases. 30 cm (12 inches) - -
IENE Wildlife and Traffic: A European Handbook for Identifying Conflicts and Designing Solutions 2022 Europe Wildlife fencing can be added as a reinforcement to standard fencing or be used alone, fixed on small poles. Some manufacturers provide small fauna fencing which is smooth at the exterior part to avoid climbing but rough on the interior, allowing the small fauna trapped in fenced sections. to escape to adjacent habitats. Mesh fences are not suitable for amphibians and reptiles because they can easily climb over mesh fences. Amphibians may also be harmed if they get trapped in the mesh. Opaque, smooth materials such as metal, concrete or recyclable polymers are recommended. 20cm - 50 cm (8 inches - 20 inches) - -
Arizona Fish & Game  Department Wildlife Compatible Fencing n.d. USA Consult with Arizona Fish & Game (non-game branch) for fencing recommendations for reptiles and amphibians. - - - -