Electric Fencing as a damage prevention measure
We systematically promote preventive measures and best practices to reduce and prevent damage caused by wildlife to livestock, crops, and other agricultural assets, making human–wildlife coexistence an achievable goal.
Within this framework, electric fencing has proven to be one of the most effective tools for protecting livestock, crops, and beehives from damage caused by large wild animals.
The main advantages of electric fencing include:
- Cost-effective – It requires a relatively small initial investment and only minimal maintenance costs thereafter.
- Portable and flexible – Electric fences can be easily relocated and reinstalled as needed.
- Suitable for remote areas – They can be used effectively even in locations without access to the electricity grid.
- Energy independent – Electric fences operate on 12-volt batteries, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
- Highly effective – When properly installed and maintained, they can achieve up to 100% effectiveness in preventing wildlife damage.
- Safe for people and animals – The systems are designed to be completely safe for both humans and wildlife.
In the past, Callisto, together with other environmental organisations, successfully advocated for the activation of Measure 216 – “Support for Non-Productive Investments” under the Rural Development Programme 2007–2013, which provided financial support for the purchase and installation of electric fencing. This initiative had the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing conflicts between people and wildlife. Unfortunately, its implementation was not sufficiently supported due to administrative and bureaucratic obstacles.
Nevertheless, Callisto has played a leading role in promoting the wider adoption of electric fencing as a preventive measure. In particular, during the early years when this practice was still largely unfamiliar in Greece, the organisation supplied electric fencing systems to farmers, livestock breeders, and beekeepers for pilot use, helping demonstrate their effectiveness in reducing wildlife-related damage.
