Graduation Year
2025
Graduation Month
May
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
School or Department
Biological Sciences, Division of
Major
Biology – Cellular and Molecular Biology
Faculty Mentor Department
Wildlife Biology
Faculty Mentor
Sattie Fisher
Keywords
Overpopulation, Wild Horses, Starvation, Indian Reservation, Overgrazing, Elk, Deer
Subject Categories
Animal Sciences | Biology | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Abstract
When considering wild horse overpopulation, there are many different facets of the issue that need to be addressed. Wild horse overpopulation is a significant issue across the American West, particularly on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management( BLM). The largest populations are often found in Nevada, other states include California, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Washington, and Arizona. Whether there are thousands of horses on many acres of land, or hundreds spread across smaller reservations or public lands, the effects of their overpopulation remain as imminent as ever. Overpopulation is causing ecological damage and strain on resources leading to concerns about native plant and animal species, horse herd health, and how to manage this issue for a result that is achievable. The BLM has implemented a few different resources for combating this issue but with horse herds doubling on average every 4 years and tripling approximately every 6 years, it is clear that more research and resources need to be dedicated to solving this problem before irreversible damage to native species and habitats takes place. Over the semester, I was able to look at and partake in a small set of Fisher’s research looking into the impacts of wild horses on elk and deer on the Yakama Indian Reservation. Specifically focusing on the statistics given of deer, elk, and wild horse movement through trail cameras to determine if overpopulation of wild horses is in fact harming native mammal populations. Tracking this data supports the main idea of how the mismanagement of wild horse populations has large effects as a whole, not only to their surrounding environment but also consequences within their own species. The goal of this work is to spread awareness of the overpopulation of wild horses and look deeper into the exact harmful effects they have on the environment.
Honors College Research Project
1
GLI Capstone Project
no
Recommended Citation
Eslick, Tessa M. Ms., "Wild Horse Overpopulation- Consequences and Environmental Effects" (2025). Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts. 549.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/utpp/549
© Copyright 2025 Tessa M. Eslick Ms.