Data from these studies help inform management decisions regarding ungulates on public lands, typically in large, jurisdictionally complex landscapes. Recent work involves investigations on the effects of herd size and movements of elk, bison, and wild horses on various ecosystem components. Specifically, scientific efforts include quantifying interactions among herbivores, plants, and soils; determining the effects of ungulate herbivory on ecosystem processes and vegetation communities; testing survey techniques for more accurate population estimates; and evaluating contraceptive methods for managing wild horse populations.
Wild Horse and Burro Population Management - Principal Investigator - Kate Schoenecker
Wild horse populations often increase at high rates on U.S. western rangelands, which in turn can lead to habitat degradation. The U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Land Management are cooperating on studies investigating the potential of fertility control drugs to reduce foaling rates. In addition, because nearly every management issue concerning wild horses depends on accurate herd counts, USGS and BLM are testing several techniques that could improve population estimates and provide defensible error estimates (confidence limits).
Elk and Bison Grazing Ecology in the San Luis Valley, Colorado - Principal Investigator - Kate Schoenecker
Managers need information on the grazing ecology of bison and elk in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to develop science-based management alternatives. This study will determine elk and bison population status and movements, effects of herbivory, and suitable habitat and population potential in the park. From these data scientists will develop an elk/bison grazing model that includes grazing as a significant natural ecological process and protects sensitive native plant communities. The study will also provide information for developing a predictive model to be used in a planning process for management agencies, and includes monitoring the effects of treatments and new experiments on the distribution and movements of elk.
Non-invasive Genetic Sampling of Free-roaming Horses to Estimate Population Size, Genetic Diversity, and Consumption of Invasive Species - Principal Investigator - Kate Schoenecker
Molecular tagging is a new application of molecular genetic techniques to traditional mark-recapture methodology designed to address situations where traditional methods fail. In such studies, non-invasively collected samples (such as feces, feathers, or fur) are used as a source of DNA that is then genotyped at multiple loci such that each individual animal can be uniquely identified. Thus, each individual’s DNA represents a unique tag analogous to a band or other mark used in traditional mark-recapture studies.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Where the Bison Roam: Public-Private Partnership Supports Potential Restoration
Non-invasive Genetic Sampling of Free-roaming Horses to Estimate Population Size, Genetic Diversity, and Consumption of Invasive Species
Elk and Bison Grazing Ecology in the San Luis Valley, Colorado
Wild Horse and Burro Population Management
America's Wild Horses and Burros—Research to Support Management
- Overview
Data from these studies help inform management decisions regarding ungulates on public lands, typically in large, jurisdictionally complex landscapes. Recent work involves investigations on the effects of herd size and movements of elk, bison, and wild horses on various ecosystem components. Specifically, scientific efforts include quantifying interactions among herbivores, plants, and soils; determining the effects of ungulate herbivory on ecosystem processes and vegetation communities; testing survey techniques for more accurate population estimates; and evaluating contraceptive methods for managing wild horse populations.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Closeup of a feral horse with its head turned, standing in a field. Public domain. Wild Horse and Burro Population Management - Principal Investigator - Kate Schoenecker
Wild horse populations often increase at high rates on U.S. western rangelands, which in turn can lead to habitat degradation. The U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Land Management are cooperating on studies investigating the potential of fertility control drugs to reduce foaling rates. In addition, because nearly every management issue concerning wild horses depends on accurate herd counts, USGS and BLM are testing several techniques that could improve population estimates and provide defensible error estimates (confidence limits).
A herd of elk at sunset. USGS photo. Elk and Bison Grazing Ecology in the San Luis Valley, Colorado - Principal Investigator - Kate Schoenecker
Managers need information on the grazing ecology of bison and elk in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to develop science-based management alternatives. This study will determine elk and bison population status and movements, effects of herbivory, and suitable habitat and population potential in the park. From these data scientists will develop an elk/bison grazing model that includes grazing as a significant natural ecological process and protects sensitive native plant communities. The study will also provide information for developing a predictive model to be used in a planning process for management agencies, and includes monitoring the effects of treatments and new experiments on the distribution and movements of elk.
A wild horse herd aerial photo. USGS photo. Non-invasive Genetic Sampling of Free-roaming Horses to Estimate Population Size, Genetic Diversity, and Consumption of Invasive Species - Principal Investigator - Kate Schoenecker
Molecular tagging is a new application of molecular genetic techniques to traditional mark-recapture methodology designed to address situations where traditional methods fail. In such studies, non-invasively collected samples (such as feces, feathers, or fur) are used as a source of DNA that is then genotyped at multiple loci such that each individual animal can be uniquely identified. Thus, each individual’s DNA represents a unique tag analogous to a band or other mark used in traditional mark-recapture studies.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Where the Bison Roam: Public-Private Partnership Supports Potential Restoration
A little over one hundred years ago, plains bison were prolific in the Great American West. Reports describe herds containing thousands of animals migrating through the central and western states, totaling 20–30 million across their entire range. With commercial, unregulated hunting in the late 1800s came the rapid demise of bison to barely more than 1,000 by 18891. Recently, renewed interest in...Non-invasive Genetic Sampling of Free-roaming Horses to Estimate Population Size, Genetic Diversity, and Consumption of Invasive Species
Molecular tagging is a new application of molecular genetic techniques to traditional mark-recapture methodology designed to address situations where traditional methods fail. In such studies, non-invasively collected samples (such as feces, feathers, or fur) are used as a source of DNA that is then genotyped at multiple loci such that each individual animal can be uniquely identified. Thus, each...Elk and Bison Grazing Ecology in the San Luis Valley, Colorado
Managers need information on the grazing ecology of bison and elk in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve to develop science-based management alternatives.Wild Horse and Burro Population Management
Wild horse populations often increase at high rates on U.S. western rangelands, which in turn can lead to habitat degradation. The U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Land Management are cooperating on studies investigating the potential of fertility control drugs to reduce foaling rates. In addition, because nearly every management issue concerning wild horses depends on accurate herd counts...America's Wild Horses and Burros—Research to Support Management
The wild horses that roam the west are feral descendents of domestic animals that either escaped from or were intentionally released by early European explorers and later settlers. As a result of both origin and contemporary management, the Spanish or Iberian influence remains strong in some wild horse populations (e.g., the Kiger, Pryor Mountain, and Sulfur Mountain herds). In other populations...