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Contraception as a Tool for Managing Feral Horse Populations in the Western United States

In: Wildlife 2001: Populations

Author

Listed:
  • Robert A. Garrott

    (University of Wisconsin, Department of Wildlife Ecology)

  • Donald B. Siniff

    (University of Minnesota, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior)

  • John R. Tester

    (University of Minnesota, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior)

  • Edward D. Plotka

    (Marshfield Medical Research Foundation)

Abstract

Management of feral horse (Equus caballus) populations has been embroiled in controversy since the animals were protected by federal legislation in 1971. Populations are currently controlled by periodic capture, with over 100 000 horses removed from public lands over the past 17 years. Destruction of healthy animals is prohibited. Current programs place horses into private ownership or maintain unwanted animals in captivity for extended periods of time. These programs are expensive, and disposing of the large number of horses captured has been difficult. Numerous research initiatives over the last decade have focused on developing practical contraceptive tools. Male-oriented contraception has had limited success and may seriously disrupt normal seasonal reproductive cycles. Two contraceptive techniques have been developed for females, steroid implants which are effective for at least 3 years and an immunocontraceptive vaccine capable of blocking conception for 1 season. At present, the practicality of the vaccine is limited due to its short duration and the need for multiple injections per animal. The long duration of the steroid implants, coupled with the fact that horses can be easily and economically captured, suggests this technique may be practical for management applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert A. Garrott & Donald B. Siniff & John R. Tester & Edward D. Plotka, 1992. "Contraception as a Tool for Managing Feral Horse Populations in the Western United States," Springer Books, in: Dale R. McCullough & Reginald H. Barrett (ed.), Wildlife 2001: Populations, pages 294-303, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-94-011-2868-1_24
    DOI: 10.1007/978-94-011-2868-1_24
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