The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ZAREBA
Z
A
R
E
B
A
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The straight part
We know that "Protection against many a wild animal" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case protection against many a wild animal = zareba.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ZAREBA mean?
ZAREBA noun- A fence of the type once commonly improvised in northeastern Africa from thornbushes.
- (by extension) An improvised stockade, particularly those similarly located and constructed.
- (by extension) A camp of troops employing such an enclosure.
- (by extension) Any wild and barbed barrier, evocative of a briar or thorn patch.