Sunshine Coast wildlife rescuer Keith Porteous has witnessed first-hand the devastating impact barbed wire fencing has on native animals, prompting him to initiate Project WireAware to help prevent further suffering across Australia.
The wire is virtually invisible to animals, particularly nocturnal species, and leads to extensive injuries, intensive rehabilitation and often a protracted and painful demise.
The addition of white electrical tape, or horse tape, along the top strand of barbed wire makes the fence visible to wildlife and affords an opportunity to avoid the hazard. It has been used at numerous sites to great effect by various groups and individuals.
The plan is a simple one: to fit highly visible, UV-stabilised electrical tape to the top strand of as much barbed wire fencing as possible across the Sunshine Coast, and encourage the practice across the country.
