Ensuring Genetic Diversity in Wild Horses

Ensuring the Long-term Health of Wild Horse Populations

Genetic diversity is crucial for the survival and resilience of wild horse populations. By maintaining a healthy gene pool not only do we reduce the risk of genetic disorders but also ensure that wild horses can adapt to changing environments.If populations get too low, genetic bottlenecks can occur or even complete population collapse. Discover how AWHC is working to preserve the genetic diversity and viability of America's wild horses.

Photo: AWHC Staff
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The Importance of Genetic Diversity

Learn why genetic diversity is vital for the health and sustainability of wild horse populations.

Genetic Bottlenecks

Genetic bottlenecks happen when a population's size is significantly reduced, leading to a loss of genetic variation. This can occur due to natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or human activities such as roundups. Protecting wild horse populations from drastic reductions is crucial to preserving their genetic health.

Adaptability and Resilience

Genetic diversity provides the raw material for evolution and adaptation. Populations with high genetic diversity are more likely to adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as climate change, habitat loss, and new diseases. Ensuring genetic diversity helps wild horses remain resilient in the face of these challenges.

Scientific Monitoring

Monitoring the genetic health of wild horse populations is essential for informed management decisions. Genetic studies help identify at-risk populations, track changes in genetic diversity over time, and guide conservation strategies to maintain healthy and viable populations.

Marlon Reis
Kaitlynn Carter
Suzanne Roy
Scott WIlson
American Wild Horse Conservation is a national leader in using fertility control to keep Wild Horse populations from increasing to the point where the BLM historically employs roundups and removals. I am beyond grateful for this amazing organization’s leadership and participation, without which the [Colorado] Wild Horse Project would not have come to fruition.
Marlon Reis
First Gentleman of Colorado
I wanted to get involved with AWHC when I saw videos of wild horses getting rounded up by helicopters. These animals are majestic in the wild; seeing them forced into captivity is heartbreaking and cruel. The government can do better, and I’m looking forward to educating the American public and working to keep wild horses in the wild.
Kaitlynn Carter
Ambassador
American Wild Horse Conservation is more than a campaign. We are reforming wild horse and burro protection across the American West, expanding protected natural habitats in places like Fish Springs, Nevada, and setting the conservation standard through the world’s leading wild horse fertility control initiative. We have a new model for wild horse protection through conservation.
Suzanne Roy
Executive Director
There are currently 62,000 wild horses and burros in long term holding. This year, the BLM intends to remove an additional 20,000 from public rangelands, with the North Lander animals to account for 14% of those.
Scott WIlson
Director of Strategy and Awareness

Take Action

Support Our Work

Your involvement is key to safeguarding wild horses and burros.

Donate to Support Our Work

Your contribution helps fund our advocacy, litigation, and protection initiatives.

Contact Your Legislators

Urge your representatives to support policies that help protect wild horses and burros.

Volunteer with AWHC

Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a direct impact.

Our Commitment to Genetic Diversity

Discover how AWHC is leading efforts to preserve the genetic health and viability of wild horse populations.

Collaborative Research

AWHC collaborates with leading scientists, universities, and research institutions to advance the understanding of wild horse genetics. These partnerships enhance our ability to develop and implement effective conservation strategies.

  • Scientific Partnerships: Working with top geneticists and researchers
  • Collaborative Studies: Participating in joint research projects
  • Knowledge Sharing: Disseminating research findings to the public and policymakers
  • Innovative Techniques: Utilizing the latest genetic research methods

Conservation Strategies

AWHC develops and advocates for conservation strategies that prioritize genetic diversity. These strategies include habitat protection, population management, and the introduction of new genetic material to at-risk populations.

  • Habitat Protection: Ensuring wild horses have access to diverse habitats
  • Population Management: Implementing practices to maintain genetic diversity
  • Policy Advocacy: Promoting policies that support genetic conservation

Stay Informed and Take Action

Learn how AWHC is actively implementing solutions to protect wild horses and burros, ensuring their well-being and preserving their natural habitats.