Long-term Studies: Ensuring Wild Horse Sustainability

Understanding Wild Horse Dynamics Through Continuous Research

Long-term population studies are essential for understanding the dynamics of wild horse populations and informing effective management strategies. By tracking population trends, birth rates, and survival rates over time, AWHC can develop science-based approaches to ensure the health and sustainability of wild horse herds. Discover the importance of these studies and how they guide our conservation efforts.

Photo: Kimerlee Curyl Photography
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The Importance of Long-term Population Studies

Learn how continuous research on wild horse populations informs effective management and conservation strategies.

Population Trends

Long-term studies track changes in wild horse population sizes over time. This data helps identify trends such as population growth, decline, or stability, providing insights into the factors that influence these changes and guiding management decisions.

Birth and Survival Rates

Monitoring birth and survival rates is crucial for understanding the reproductive success and viability of wild horse populations. This information helps determine the health of the herds and the effectiveness of management practices like fertility control.

Movement Patterns

Studying the movement patterns of wild horses reveals their habitat use, migratory routes, and resource needs. This data is essential for identifying critical habitats and ensuring that wild horses have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Impact of Management Practices

Long-term studies evaluate the impact of various management practices, such as roundups and fertility control, on wild horse populations. This research helps refine and improve these practices to ensure they are effective and humane.

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

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Support Our Work

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Donate to Support Our Work

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Contact Your Legislators

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

Volunteer with AWHC

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Our Commitment to Long-term Population Studies

Discover how AWHC is leading efforts to conduct and support long-term research on wild horse populations.

Continuous Monitoring Programs

AWHC supports and conducts continuous monitoring programs to track wild horse populations. These programs involve regular data collection on population sizes, birth and survival rates, and movement patterns.

  • Data Collection: Gathering comprehensive data on wild horse populations
  • Population Tracking: Monitoring changes in population sizes over time
  • Reproductive Success: Assessing birth and survival rates
  • Movement Analysis: Studying habitat use and migratory routes

Collaborative Research Initiatives

AWHC collaborates with universities, research institutions, and wildlife biologists to conduct long-term population studies. These partnerships enhance our understanding of wild horse dynamics and improve our conservation strategies.

  • Scientific Partnerships: Working with top researchers and institutions
  • Joint Studies: Participating in collaborative research projects
  • Knowledge Sharing: Disseminating research findings to the public and policymakers
  • Innovative Techniques: Utilizing the latest research methods and technologies

Application of Research Findings

AWHC uses the findings from long-term population studies to inform and refine management practices. This ensures that our conservation efforts are based on the best available science and are effective in maintaining healthy wild horse populations.

  • Science-Based Management: Implementing strategies informed by research
  • Policy Advocacy: Promoting policies that support research and science-based management
  • Public Education: Raising awareness about the importance of long-term studies
  • Adaptive Management: Continuously refining practices based on research findings

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.