Volunteers Work to Reduce Wild Horse Population in Nevada
A group of dedicated volunteers in Northern Nevada is taking action to manage the wild horse population through humane methods. Amidst the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, these volunteers are working tirelessly to administer fertility control to wild horses, reducing the need for traditional roundups.
With a team of two dozen volunteers and a budget of $182,000, the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) (AWHC) has successfully vaccinated more wild mares with fertility control than the Bureau of Land Management, which operates with a significantly larger budget.
Despite the global pandemic, wild horses continue their natural cycles of birthing and breeding, highlighting the urgent need for population control. Deb Walker, the Nevada field representative for AWHC, has been instrumental in coordinating efforts, ensuring volunteers are equipped with necessary supplies while adhering to safety protocols.
The volunteers use PZP fertility control, a treatment that prevents mares from becoming pregnant for a year, thereby slowing herd growth and reducing the need for BLM roundups. This approach not only helps manage the population but also minimizes the risk of horses ending up in holding pens or getting injured.
This initiative marks the first anniversary of a cooperative agreement between AWHC and the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) to implement a fertility control program for the Virginia Range horses. The program has been effective, with volunteers treating a significant portion of the breeding-age mare population.
According to NDA Director Jennifer Ott, the partnership has been a success, demonstrating the value of public-private collaborations in addressing wildlife management challenges.
The PZP vaccine, derived from pig ovaries, works by stimulating a mare's immune system to produce antibodies that block fertilization. This method is considered the best option for humane population control, although it requires consistent effort and documentation.
Republican Nevada assemblyman Jim Wheeler, along with other stakeholders, has supported the program, emphasizing its non-partisan nature and the importance of reducing the wild horse population over time.
As Northern Nevada continues to develop, managing the wild horse population becomes increasingly critical to ensure safety and balance in the region. The efforts of AWHC and its volunteers are paving the way for a sustainable solution to this complex issue.