The border wall threatens wild life

The 700-mile security wall is being built along the borders of the United States and Mexico that could dramatically change the movement and 'connection' of wildlife, biologists said, and the This isolation is a threat to the life of some species.

However, technology and some design changes can improve the ability of animals to move freely between the two countries, scientists say.

The results of the study are published in the journal Conservation Biology.

Cliton Epps, a wildlife biologist at Oregon State University and author of the study, said: 'The biggest concern is that this fence will divide the already small biological communities into smaller parts and prevent their interaction. A fence of this size can lead to a significant reduction in the connection between many different species, potentially threatening biological communities'.

In their study, the authors looked at the possible impact of security walls on two species - dwarf and horny sheep - because they studied each of these animals. They found that low-flying dwarf species mainly fly below the height of the security wall, about 4 meters, and teenage owls are less likely to live in disturbed areas or less vegetation.

Epps added: ' Some potential impacts on dwarf owl species can be reduced by some changes in the system. Piling near a fence can allow owls to fly down from a tree branch, and plant shrubs that can provide shelter from the hunting of larger birds and increase the chances of settling and birth. living'.

Maintaining or increasing the number of trees is higher than the fence, especially dense trees is a necessity, said author Aaron D. Flesch.

Big horned sheep. An insurmountable barrier, such as a security wall, could isolate sheep flocks and reduce their genetic diversity, but scientists said minor changes in design. This barrier can improve the animal's ability to connect while preserving the necessary security purpose along the border. (Photo: iStockphoto / Rich Phalin) '

Flesch said: 'The movement of dwarf owl from Mexico to Arizona is a necessity for the existence of this animal community in Arizona'.

The security wall may have a greater impact on the movement of horned sheep, concentrated mainly in the hills. The study estimates that at least 9 sheep flocks in northwestern Sonora, Mexico, have a genetic relationship with nearby Arizona species, and disruption or fragmentation can threaten biotic communities. in both areas.

An insurmountable barrier will isolate sheep flocks and degrade their genetic diversity, but researchers say small changes in fence design can improve bonding ability. This animal's connection while preserving the necessary security purpose along the border line.

Epps said: 'It is important that the gaps of the fence are enough for animals to pass through, while ensuring security requirements. A 'virtual' fence can be an alternative to a solid wall in some locations, especially those with steep terrain suitable for large horned sheep. The use of cameras, radars, satellites to control can ensure security and is a great choice for wildlife '.

Although the study focused on dwarf owl and horned sheep, scientists also found that other animals could be affected by the security wall.Flesch said black bears, jaguars, many branched antelopes, desert turtles, and ground-dwelling birds including wild turkeys and quail could be completely affected by movement restrictions.

Flesch said: 'In conclusion, the impact of this security barrier will vary depending on the species. Communities pushed down into clusters of small and cut habitats are most likely to be affected, especially those with low migration rates among 'habitat clusters'.

Epps, professor of the Department of Wildlife at Oregon State University, conducted his doctoral dissertation on large horned sheep, including sheep flocks in the northern Sonora desert. He said mountains are like the island's habitat and therefore the horned sheep are geographically divided. Adding an insurmountable barrier without a strategy to solve the movement of wild life can yield certain damages.

Epps said: 'Large horned sheep in areas like the Sonora Desert will form small communities - sometimes consisting of only 10, 15 or 20 animals. However, they will occasionally move and enter other groups. That connection is very important for their survival. '

He added: 'Isolating a community of organisms not only diminishes genetic diversity, but also makes animals in the herd more susceptible to disease, drought, extreme weather conditions. other, and predators. We have seen 1 or 2 mountain lions destroy a flock of sheep. '

Scientists say the wall along the US-Mexico border is not only a problem for wildlife.Human activity, traffic, artificial light, noise can affect the behavior of animals.

Epps explains: 'There is a fact about politics and a reality of biology. We talked to people working along the border and the number of people moving in this area was amazing. The straightforward punishment for crossing the border has led many people to move into the wilderness, and human activity - both border crossing and patrolmen looking for them - has certain implications for wild life'.

'Barrier gaps can help wildlife, but that may cause many people to use those areas to cross the border. Perhaps it's time to reconsider the structure of this wall and do more research on potential consequences'.