Death of wild animals in wire fences along the Ukrainian–Belarusian border

The ecological impact of the defence infrastructure of the Ukrainian–Belarusian border is a poorly studied topic. Wire fences (Concertina wire and Entanglement wire, Non-visible wire obstacle) along the Ukrainian–Belarusian border for wild animals can constitute an impenetrable barrier or a mortal danger for all medium and large-sized animals. Information on the species composition of dead or injured animals was obtained by direct inspection of wire fences, conducting a survey mainly of local residents or forest guards. Photography was used to document the circumstances of animal deaths. On average, each kilometre of fence kills several wild animals per year. The death of wild animals in wire fences on the Ukrainian–Belarusian border is more massive than in mine explosions, illegal shooting, or death in anti-drone nets. The most vulnerable group of animals are large mammals, especially ungulates. Entanglement wire (Non-visible wire obstacle) is more deadly and medium and large animals can get entangled and die in it. Typical injuries to ungulates include deep cuts to the skin, blood vessels, and tendons on the inner parts of the limbs. Occasionally, the Concertina wire does not cut the limbs, but grabs the ungulate by the body. During the mating season, deer often get into wire fences with their antlers and wind the wire around their antlers. Ungulates can independently free themselves from wire fences, but in case of serious injuries with bleeding they are doomed to death. It is likely that wire fences can create local reductions in the number of ungulates and large carnivores along the Ukrainian–Belarusian border. The construction of wire fences will almost completely eliminate the possibility of bear settlement. To reduce the death of wild animals, it is necessary to install at least flags along the fences. On the opposite side of the border, along the wire fence, it is necessary to create earthen ditches-barriers. To reduce the crossings of wild ungulates, it is advisable to equip artificial watering places. On many sections of the Ukrainian–Belarusian border, it is possible to leave certain areas of swamps without a fence. To strengthen the defence capabilities of the Ukrainian–Belarusian border, increased flooding of river floodplains and swamps is not used at all.