 Subjects -> ANIMAL WELFARE (Total: 103 journals)
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- Texas Hunters’ Perceptions Regarding the Acceptability of Toxicants to
Control Wild Pig Populations
Authors: Keith M. Carlisle et al.
Abstract: Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species in the United States. They damage agriculture, degrade water quality and ecological communities, and host a number of viruses, parasites, and bacteria transmissible to humans and animals. In states such as Texas, USA, where wild pigs cause extensive damage to agriculture and property, officials have considered allowing for the use of toxicants to control wild pig populations. To provide decision-makers with information regarding stakeholders’ perceptions of the use of toxicants to control wild pigs, we surveyed Texas hunters in 2019 to assess the level of acceptance of a hypothetical wild pig toxicant, the sociodemographic and other factors most closely associated with acceptability of such a toxicant, and the specific concerns that underlie hunters’ positions on the use of such a toxicant. We received 37,317 completed responses to an online, self-administered survey. Respondents were divided over the use of a toxicant, with 43% finding a toxicant acceptable, 18% neutral, and 39% finding a toxicant unacceptable. The factor most closely associated with acceptance of a wild pig toxicant was respondents’ desired wild pig population size in Texas (χ2 = 3,657.7, P < 0.001, V = 0.26), with 70% of respondents who preferred that wild pigs be completely removed from Texas finding the use of a toxicant to be acceptable, compared to 14% of respondents who preferred that wild pig populations increase or stay the same. The most commonly raised concerns in connection with toxicant usage were potential negative impacts to nontarget animals (33%) and negative impacts to human health (24%). Our research suggests that while achieving a consensus among Texas hunters on toxicant usage is unrealistic, building majority support may be possible if the identified concerns are sufficiently addressed in product development and outreach.
PubDate: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:38:46 PDT
- Industrial Hemp as a Resource for Birds in Agroecosystems:
Human–Wildlife Conflict or Conservation Opportunity'
Authors: Emily A. Kotten et al.
Abstract: Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.; hemp) is an emerging crop in the United States with little known about bird use or the potential for birds to become an agricultural pest. We identified birds associated with hemp fields, using repeated visits to oilseed plots in North Dakota, USA (n = 6) and cannabinoid (CBD) plots in Florida, USA (n = 4) from August to November 2020. We did not control for plot area or density; our observations were descriptive only. We observed 10 species in hemp, 12 species flying over hemp, and 11 species both foraging in and flying over hemp fields in North Dakota. In Florida, we observed 4 species in hemp, 5 species flying over hemp, and 4 species exhibiting both behaviors. When we observed birds in hemp, we found them perched in the canopy or foraging on the ground. Counts were highest in oilseed and lowest in CBD varieties. The Florida sites were mainly CBD varieties, which explains lower species diversity and raw counts of birds given the lack of seeds produced. Maximum raw counts of the most common birds (mourning doves [Zenaida macroura] = 116; house finches [Haemorhous mexicanus] = 53; and American goldfinches [Spinus tristis] = 40) using very small fields (116–324 m2) in North Dakota suggest oilseed hemp could suffer yield losses but potentially benefit farmland bird conservation and act as a decoy crop to protect other commodities (e.g., sunflower [Helianthus annuus L.]).
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:39:10 PDT
- Cultivation of Industrial Hemp on and Near Airports: Implications for
Wildlife Use and Risk to Aviation Safety
Authors: Bradley F. Blackwell et al.
Abstract: Land-use planning on and near airports should consider possible revenue from land covers, associated maintenance costs, and potential for land covers to attract vertebrate species recognized as hazardous to aviation safety. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has expressed interest in recent attention given to industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.; hemp) as a revenue-producing land cover that might be cultivated on or near airports. Our purpose was to better understand the potential production value of hemp as well as its possible role in affecting aviation safety if cultivated on or near airports. Our objectives were to: (1) review the literature relative to a historical perspective of hemp cultivation in the United States, projected cultivation practices, and anticipated economic viability, (2) use our review to gather information on vertebrate use of hemp cultivars, and (3) revisit U.S. and international regulations on land covers near airports relative to attraction of species recognized as hazardous to aviation safety. We found, via review of peer-reviewed and gray literature, that hemp holds potential as an emerging crop in the United States, contributing to food, medicine, and biomass-derived products as well as evidence that birds will use, if not depredate, the crop. However, future markets promoting cultivation of hemp remain tentative. Further, there has been no objective quantification of bird and other wildlife use of hemp alone or as a component of a land cover matrix on or near airports and relative to implications for aviation safety. We make recommendations for future research on wildlife use of hemp and metrics necessary to inform aviation safety.
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:38:58 PDT
- Join the Email List
Abstract: How to join the email list for HWI. Be the first to know about our newest publications.
PubDate: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:29:03 PDT
- HWI Monograph Series
Abstract: The HWI Monograph Series includes open access publications on wild pigs, black bears, deer, and a forthcoming title on free-ranging domestic cats.
PubDate: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:28:59 PDT
- Wyoming’s Wild Horse Ranch: History and Description of a
Socio-Ecological Experiment
Authors: Alex Sas-Jaworsky et al.
Abstract: The growing population of free-roaming horses (Equus ferus caballus) on western public rangelands has necessitated that federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service, develop novel approaches to curb growth including reproduction management. However, bureaucracy has hindered effective research and application of horse management on public lands and examples on private lands may present new solutions. Here we present the history and current population management strategy for the Wild Horse Ranch (WHR) located in southeastern Wyoming, USA, as an example of an ongoing private entity managing horses. Prior to 1985, this ~6,000-ha ranch was used historically for domestic sheep (Ovis aries) production, and after 1985, for yearling cattle (Bos taurus). In 2005, geldings (i.e., castrated males) and mares were purchased from BLM by WHR and introduced to the ranch in conjunction with the development of home sites. In 2019, landowners formed the Wild Horse Preservation Society (WHPS) to enhance horse management and care. The WHPS uses multiple approaches to manage population growth including castrating stallions and treating mares with chemical contraception through partnerships with veterinarians and other stakeholders. In addition, WHPS feeds supplemental hay to horses in severe winter months, provides water during the summer, monitors rangeland vegetation, horse diets, and cares for abandoned foals or geriatric horses. The WHPS is a network of board members and landowners that is working for the betterment of horse welfare and rangeland health and is situated to be a leading entity and example in the area of free-enterprise free-roaming horse reproduction management.
PubDate: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:28:51 PDT
- Stakeholder Knowledge and Perceptions of Free-roaming Equids and Their
Management at a Western U.S. Land-Grant University
Authors: Hollee S. Wood et al.
Abstract: The horse (Equus ferus caballus), originally native to North America, became extinct on the continent approximately 10,000 years ago. Horses that migrated from North America to Eurasia across the Bering Strait continued to evolve and were domesticated along with burros (E. asinus). Both species were then transported to the Americas where they were intentionally released or escaped into the wild, forming feral herds. The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 (WFRHBA) provided federal oversight and protection for feral horses and burros (hereafter, free-roaming equids) that inhabited designated areas on public lands in the western United States. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) estimated in 2019 that>90,000 free-roaming equids inhabited 29 million ha on 177 designated herd management areas (HMAs). This population estimate exceeds the designated appropriate management level (AML) of 26,785. To provide BLM managers with insights regarding stakeholder knowledge and perceptions about the management of free-roaming equids in a western U.S. state where HMAs exceed AML, in 2020 we surveyed faculty, staff, and students at the state land-grant university (i.e., Utah State University [USU]). We hypothesized that, because the WFRHBA was passed in 1971, older respondents and those with natural resources education would be more informed and supportive of active free-roaming equid management, such as herd reduction. We received 959 responses (response rate of 12.5%) to our survey (i.e., 14% faculty, 14% staff, and 72% students). Most respondents (60%) were unaware of the WFRHBA, and>50% were unaware that free-roaming equids were protected. Over 45% of our respondents were unsure of HMA AML status or population growth rates. Furthermore, most respondents (65%) did not know that free-roaming equids are ecologically considered feral. Older respondents and those with rural backgrounds and natural resources education were more informed. Our results highlight the need for improved outreach and communication efforts regarding the issues and consequences of free-roaming equid management approaches.
PubDate: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:28:42 PDT
- Nonnative Ungulate Impacts on Greater Sage-grouse Late Brood-rearing
Habitat in the Great Basin, USA
Authors: Mikiah R. McGinn et al.
Abstract: Domestic livestock grazing is the dominant land use on much of the current range inhabited by greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) in the western United States. Nonnative feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) also inhabit important sage-grouse seasonal habitats. Overabundant feral horse populations and improper grazing by domestic cattle (Bos taurus) can impact the health of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) and desert shrub rangeland communities and native wildlife. These impacts to sage-grouse can be exacerbated when they affect late brood-rearing habitat, which provide the forbs and arthropods required to fledge broods. Managers require better information regarding the extent of these impacts. In 2020, we assessed the potential impact of feral horses and domestic cattle on sage-grouse late brood-rearing habitats in western Utah and eastern Nevada, USA. We acquired late brood-rearing location data from sage-grouse marked with global positioning system and very-high frequency radio-transmitters from 2016 to 2020 for North Utah data, 2017 to 2018 for South Utah data, and 1961 to 2017 for both east and west Nevada data to delineate late brood-rearing habitats. Using these location data, we compared 8 sites (4 pairs) within horse and non-horse use areas to assess sage-grouse habitat quality characteristics between areas that have been predominantly horse and cattle grazed versus sites that have been predominantly cattle grazed. For each pairing, 1 site was located within and the other outside of a Bureau of Land Management herd management area boundary, and both sites shared similar habitat characteristics (i.e., topography, dominant vegetation, soils, and climate) and selection probability for broods. We collected vegetation and dung count data at each site to assess characteristics related to habitat quality for sage-grouse brood-rearing, based on ungulate presence. We used a mixed model analysis of variance to detect differences between each paired site comparison (α < 0.01). Horses or evidence of horse presence (i.e., dung) were not detected at our non-horse sites allowing for an unbiased comparison between paired sites. Cattle presence was noted at all our paired sites. Average annual grass frequency was 0.74 in horse and 0.17 in non-horse use areas (P = 0.20), and average annual grass cover was 4.0% compared to 0.2% in horse use areas (P = 0.32). Average annual grass biomass was 0.45 kg/ha in horse and 0.04% in non-horse use areas (P = 0.34). Vegetation height was 44.2 cm in non-horse compared to 34.5 cm in horse use areas (P = 0.23). These results suggest that increased ungulate grazing and year-long use of late brood-rearing habitat by feral horses coupled with livestock grazing may impair habitat suitability, particularly considering ecological impacts from invasive plant species. Our results suggest that managing late brood-rearing habitats to reduce the frequency and intensity of year-long grazing by feral horses can be best accomplished by reducing horse numbers and the seasonal distribution of grazing by domestic livestock.
PubDate: Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:19:54 PDT
- It’s Time for the Next Step
Authors: S. Nicole Frey
Abstract: This is the letter from the editor-in-chief of Volume 16, Issue 2.
PubDate: Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:19:47 PDT
- Cover, Editorial Staff, Journal Information
Abstract: This includes the cover, editorial staff, and journal information.
PubDate: Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:19:43 PDT
- Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement to Achieve the Sustainable Management of
Free-roaming Equids
Authors: Celeste Carlisle et al.
Abstract: Wild horse (Equus caballus) and burro (E. asinus; WHB) stakeholders in the American West are divergent in their views of free-roaming equids on public lands. Management authority for free-roaming equids on designated public lands was given to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in 1971 by U.S. Congress with the passing of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (WFRHBA). In 1976, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) mandated the BLM to manage public lands for multiple-uses, which included livestock grazing, energy development, recreation, and timber harvest. Since the passage of WFRHBA and FLPMA, almost every WHB management option has been met with frustration and contention by some faction of stakeholders. Currently, WHB populations on designated public lands exceed numbers the BLM and USFS determined were in balance with other multiple-uses. Historically, true collaboration around the issue has been lacking apart from the banding together of like-minded organizations. As climate change exacerbates resource impacts on Western public landscapes, leaving already arid lands drier and forage amounts and diversity lessened, the need for true collaboration among divergent stakeholders is abundantly clear. However, how to collaborate sustainably and healthily is unclear. In this paper, we outline a framework, specifically with the BLM in mind, for achieving collaboration with diverse stakeholders and decision-makers.
PubDate: Fri, 11 Aug 2023 08:59:21 PDT
- U.S. Public Opinion of Reproductive Control Options for Free-roaming
Horses on Western Public Lands
Authors: S. Nicole Frey et al.
Abstract: Free-roaming horses (Equus ferus caballus; horses) inhabit public rangelands located primarily in 10 western U.S. states. Recent horse population increases are impacting rangeland ecosystems, native wildlife species and their habitats, and exacerbating conflicts with domestic livestock grazing. While contraceptives and physical sterilization are promising options to manage horse herd levels, public opinion concerning the use of fertility control is not well understood. To better inform policymakers, we completed a rigorous study of a random sample of public land stakeholders across the United States (n = 3,500) in 2020 using a Likert scale online survey to assess their level of agreement with the general use of reproductive controls and their preferences regarding 4 available reproductive control options. We used chi-square likelihood ratio tests to determine the associations between the knowledge of horse origins in North America and horse management in the United States, and public support of contraception and sterilization methods to control horse populations. We also assessed the associations between survey responses and respondent demographics. Most respondents either “somewhat agreed” or “strongly agreed” with the use of contraceptives to control horse birth rates (36.6% and 26.9%, respectively) when no specific type of contraceptive was described. Respondents who believed horses were native to North America “strongly agreed” with the statement regarding the use of contraceptives less often (22.2%) than respondents who recognized that European explorers introduced horses (36.6%) or believed horses arrived by crossing a land bridge (35.8%); however, this association exhibited very low power to predict the response (λ < 0.1). Similarly, while there were some associations indicated by chi-square analyses between demographic variables and support for contraceptives, these associations exhibited very low power to explain the responses. When asked to rank 4 generalized population control options, more respondents ranked physical sterilization as their preferred option (37.1%). There was an association between age and ranking order of sterilization. For ages 18–53, the range was 40.6–45.3%, significantly more than older ages, 54 to ≥73, where the range was 31.1–33.8%. Knowledge did not influence the preference for control options. Our results suggest that our respondents were more supportive of the use of contraceptives or sterilization, when described in generalities, to control the birth rates in free-roaming horses. Our research provides policymakers with objective, novel insights into public knowledge and perceptions concerning the population control of free-roaming horses on designated western rangelands. We encourage the federal, state, and tribal agencies charged with the management of free-roaming horses to develop and deliver outreach programs to better educate public land stakeholders about the ecological and economic impacts of free-roaming horses on western landscapes and efficacy of available population management options to mitigate impact and sustain herds.
PubDate: Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:16:57 PDT
- Mitigating Bighorn Sheep–Vehicle Collisions and Habitat Fragmentation
with Overpasses and Adaptive Mitigation
Authors: Jeffrey W. Gagnon et al.
Abstract: As transportation infrastructure expands to accommodate increasing human population growth, wildlife–vehicle conflicts (WVCs) are a growing concern for motorist safety and wildlife populations. In the case of large ungulates, minimal information exists on successful mitigation of WVCs involving bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and habitat fragmentation. Too address this void, we evaluated the effectiveness of 3 new wildlife overpasses, 3 culverts, 2 bridges, and ungulate exclusionary fencing as potential desert bighorn sheep (O. c. nelsoni; sheep) crossing opportunities along US Highway 93 in Arizona, USA. We evaluated sheep movements using global positioning system (GPS) radio-transmitter collars and remote cameras for 4 years from March 2011 to March 2015 and sheep–vehicle collision data collected from 2011 to 2020. Although GPS determined pre- and post-mitigation passage rates of sheep that crossed US Highway 93 were initially similar, they increased every year and were on average 217% higher following inclusion of wildlife crossings and by year 4 had ultimately increased 633% from pre-construction rates. Cameras recorded 6,936 crossings by a dozen wildlife species with sheep accounting for 95% of all crossings. Sheep used the 3 overpasses (90% of all sheep crossings) disproportionately more than the 3 culverts and 2 underpasses (10% of all sheep crossings) in the same area, and use of the 3 overpasses increased 905% in the first year. Sheep initially used the 30-m-wide overpasses at 83% and 175% higher passage rates than 2 15-m-wide structures; however, by year 4 passage rates were similar across overpasses. From February 2011 through February 2020, we documented 0.8 sheep–vehicle collisions/year for an overall 93.3% reduction from the 12 collisions per year previously documented. Most of the collisions occurred immediately following completion of the project and gradually reduced as sheep access points were identified and addressed through an adaptive mitigation process to iteratively improve success. Overpasses appear to be the preferred wildlife crossing type for sheep and when properly located and linked with ungulate exclusion fencing successfully reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation. These findings add to our knowledge base of effective roadway mitigation for different species. Long-term monitoring informs species learning curves, preference of wildlife crossing structure type, and adaptive mitigation opportunities to increase effectiveness of mitigation measures on current and future projects.
PubDate: Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:50:21 PDT
- Healthy Western Lands: a proposal for healthy rangelands, wildlife, and
free-roaming horses and burros
Authors: James S. Sedinger et al.
Abstract: The Coalition for Healthy Nevada Lands, Wildlife and Free-roaming Horses (CHNL) is dedicated to proper management of free-roaming horses (Equus caballus) and burros (E. asinus) so rangelands are healthy, which benefits wildlife and the horses and burros themselves. The CHNL proposes the rapid reduction of horses and burros on designated public lands to achieve appropriate management levels (AML). After these reductions, the use of fertility control, supplemented with some gathers and adoption of gathered horses, should allow the Bureau of Land Management to economically maintain horse and burro populations at AML. The CHNL believes this approach will be the most expeditious to restoring rangeland to health and cost-effective as it reduces handling of horses and burros. Herein, we describe CHNL’s rationale for this approach and our effort to have the Nevada Legislature pass a resolution supporting the proposal.
PubDate: Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:48:26 PDT
- Stakeholder Acceptance of Wild Equid Fertility Control Mirrors Global
Shifts in Attitudes to Wildlife Management
Authors: Giovanna Massei et al.
Abstract: Wild equid (horses [Equus ferus] and burros [E. asinus]) populations have increased on public lands in the United States since the passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. As of March 1, 2022, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) estimated that wild equid populations on designated herd management areas (HMAs) may exceed 82,000 animals. In 2020, the total population of wild equids in the United States was estimated to exceed 300,000 animals. The BLM sets an appropriate management level (AML) for wild horse and burro herds on each HMA and removes animals when AMLs are exceeded. At present, the number of animals removed and placed in long-term holding is greater than the number adopted and sold. In 2021, the cost of caring for 59,000 animals in government holding facilities was>$72 million USD. Although the management of wild equid populations remains controversial among stakeholders, fertility control has gained wider acceptance, with injectable immunocontraceptive vaccines already employed to manage herds. Contemporary stakeholder views of wild equid management decisions may also reflect global shifts in public attitudes to wildlife management. These attitudes are driving both decisions and innovations in alternative approaches, such as fertility control, to manage wildlife. In this context, the Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control is acting as a catalyst to advance the use of effective, sustainable fertility control methods to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts and promote coexistence worldwide.
PubDate: Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:48:19 PDT
- New Associate Editors
Authors: S. Nicole Frey
Abstract: Human-Wildlife Interactions journal announces its new associate editors.
PubDate: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 10:08:23 PDT
- Feral Horses, Feral Asses, and Professional Politicians: Broodings From a
Beleaguered Biologist
Authors: Vernon C. Bleich
Abstract: As a member of National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board, I gained insight into several aspects of feral equid management that previously had been somewhat cryptic. Foremost in my experience, though, was the dedication and professionalism of the board members with whom I served. During my tenure, the professional approach to management and the frustration faced by employees within the Horse and Burro Program became increasingly apparent. Further came the realization that the effectiveness of the board and program can be improved substantially, if (1) the board is provided the opportunity to rebut or counter incorrect or misleading information received during public testimony, and those statements are shared with elected officials; (2) any member of the Board whose term expires can remain involved in board activities until that board member is reappointed or replaced; and (3) congressional representatives place the well-being of public rangelands ahead of personal ambitions and political expediency. In the absence of corrective actions, the public rangelands will continue to deteriorate, and the concomitant impacts to native species and feral equids will remain unabated, if not exacerbated.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:08:28 PDT
- New Research and Wild Horse and Burro Management
Authors: David Jenkins
Abstract: In the United States, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (WFRHBA) gave the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service the statutory obligation to manage and protect free-roaming equids (i.e., wild horses [Equus ferus] and burros [E. asinus]) on designated management areas on public land. The WFRHBA was intended to ensure that wild horses and burros on the public lands exist in self-sustaining herds in perpetuity, alongside other congressionally mandated, multiple uses of public lands. The BLM recently published a strategic research plan for their wild horse and burro program. The research plan places the highest priority on the development and testing of longer-lasting fertility control methods for wild mares and jennies. The second-highest research priority addresses the need for a better science regarding the relationships between wild horses and burros and their environments, especially related to the effects of drought and climate change. Research in these 2 key priority topics could lead to better outcomes for sustaining wild horses and burros on designated public lands in the western United States.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:08:24 PDT
- Partnerships Create Success for the Devil’s Garden Wild Horses
Authors: Laura K. Snell
Abstract: Many wild horse (Equus ferus caballus) populations that inhabit designated federal land in the United States currently exceed management objectives. Overabundant wild horse populations can adversely impact the ecosystem, native wildlife, and other land uses. Unfortunately, there is not a universal solution, as each impacted area may differ ecologically, economically, socially, and politically. Wild horse management is not just a 1-time project but a long-term program where buy-in is needed from the federal and state agencies, local governments, and private partners. Local county governments and private partners can have important insights and significant influence on the development and success of local wild horse management strategies. The combined involvement of local government and stakeholders can have a wide range of benefits including increasing capacity for management, developing new management and placement techniques, and creating authentic program branding and outreach for better placement success. Partners can often complete projects in tighter time frames, find employees, and experience less government red tape in implementation. Buy-in from the local community can also decrease the amount of negative feedback during management implementation and create a support network to counteract the negative aspects of management. Located in the northeast corner of the state of California, USA, Modoc County recognized early on the need for local government participation in conversations and decisions surrounding wild horses and their management on the Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory (WHT). The county implemented a coordinated planning and government-to-government communication process starting in 2011 to engage the Modoc National Forest, which manages the WHT, in meaningful solution-based dialogue. This paper offers examples of unique collaborative opportunities and solutions that have been successfully used in Modoc County to develop and implement a wild horse management plan. In the years since it was adopted, this plan has halted population growth and started to return the population to the appropriate management level on the Devil’s Garden Plateau.
PubDate: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 14:08:16 PDT
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