A biofence is using scent marks from species that may function as a threat or competitor of the focal carnivore species to deter approaches. Scent marks from the dominant species, for instance scats, are artificially placed along the border of an intended area with the idea that focal carnivores will naturally avoid the area. In a South African study (Haring et al. 2023), lion (Panthera leo) scats were placed as a biofence on game farms to deter African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) from crossing. Although there were fewer incursions after the biofence was introduced, even fewer incursions occurred in control plots, suggesting no additional deterrence effect of the biofence (RR = 1.43) in this study. In a North American study (Louis et al. 2020) red wolf (Canis rufus) scats were deployed to deter coyote (Canis latrans) presence in pasturelands. The detection rate of coyotes was 24 % lower in biofenced areas.
