Border Security Causing Detrimental Effects on Wildlife

Border Security Causing Detrimental Effects on Wildlife

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Feb 02, 2015

Wildlife has suffered from the border fencing installed by Homeland Security to help stop the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs from coming into the United States. Environmentalists are now saying that these barriers are having detrimental effects on wildlife, but advocates of tighter border security say security should be on the top of the list for all Americans.

There’s a particular spot in Conchise County Arizona where animals cross from one country to the other as a pattern of migration, but the see-through mesh of metal fencing is causing major havoc on a few species. Animals may not be able to colonize habitats, leading to decreasing populations or even extinction for some species.

“It’s blocking the animals, but it’s not stopping people from crossing,” said Dan Millis, the Sierra Club. “We have seen ocelot; we have seen jaguar here. If a large mammal comes up to this wall, unless it’s a monkey, there’s no way it getting over it.”

For those worried more about America’s security than wildlife, the barrier is effective, especially when Border Patrol agents are nearby to apprehend people who breach the barrier; however, even one supporter of tighter border security realizes that wildlife has suffered from the addition of the border fencing.

“We had a really nice herd of mule deer that migrated in from Mexico every October, stayed here till February,” said John Ladd, Conchise County rancher. “We probably had 200, 250 deer, and I probably got 40 deer left. They can’t get across there. Nothing can get through that thing. Birds can fly over it, but it’s terrible.”

Image courtesy of Arizona Public Media.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.