Table of Contents
1 Preserving a Pillar of the State’s Identity and Economy
2 Insights on This Report
2.1 Najifa FarhatMeet Najifa, Environmental Journalist
Background
2.2 Passion and Motivation
Pronghorn in Wyoming have been facing prolonged decreases in their offspring due to the expanding presence of oil and gas operations and encroaching woody plants. Despite the overall stability of pronghorn populations in the state, recent research reveals that many herds are witnessing long-term declines in the number of fawns being born.
A team of scientists from various institutions and the USDA’s Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory conducted an analysis of data spanning from 1984 to 2019, utilizing aerial and ground surveys of 40 pronghorn herds’ established migration paths.
Published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation in April, the study highlighted two primary factors contributing to the decline in pronghorn productivity: the proliferation of oil and gas wells and the growth of vegetation within the herd units.
Other variables such as annual plant coverage, grassland biomass, wildfires, road networks, and increased winter precipitation were also considered, yet they did not emerge as significant drivers of the long-term reduction in fawn births.
Pronghorn, which are renowned for being both the fastest land animals in North America and the most extensive migrators in the U.S., are indigenous to Wyoming, where they account for approximately 40-50% of the global pronghorn population. The state is home to around 500,000 pronghorn, known for their prolific breeding behavior that typically starts at age two in females, resulting in 20-30 offspring throughout their lifespans.
Pronghorn usually give birth to fawns in late May to early June, with many succumbing to predators within the first two months. Efforts to maintain healthy herds become imperative due to threats from hunting and limited food resources.
In the event of population declines, like those caused by severe weather conditions, pronghorn populations are known to recover swiftly due to their high reproductive rates, according to Beck.
A comprehensive approach to monitoring pronghorn population trends, such as the one undertaken in the study, is essential for conservation efforts and the preservation of these iconic animals in the Wyoming landscape.The Decrease in Pronghorn Populations Due to Environmental Disturbances
A recent study highlighted the declining fawn-to-female ratios in pronghorn populations across Wyoming, indicating a reduced resilience to environmental disruptions. While pronghorn are abundant in the state, the western region witnessed significant losses during a harsh winter two years ago. Furthermore, populations in central and southeastern Wyoming have been decreasing over the past few decades as well.
Rich Guenzel, a pronghorn conservation advocate and former wildlife biologist, expressed concerns about the diminishing resilience of pronghorn populations. He emphasized that current conservation efforts are inadequate in the face of existing conditions.
Challenges from Fossil Fuel Development on Pronghorn Migration Routes
The expansion of crude oil and natural gas production in Wyoming has posed a threat to the state’s rangeland ecosystems. This growth in oil and gas development has been detrimental to iconic species like the greater sage-grouse. For pronghorns, the fragmentation of habitats due to oil and gas activities has restricted their movement patterns, as they migrate long distances between their seasonal ranges. A significant number of pronghorn herds have witnessed increased oil and gas infrastructure within their habitats, causing disturbance and limiting their available territories.
Additionally, the rise of renewable energy projects such as solar and wind farms has further impeded pronghorn habitats in recent years. Despite existing regulations to safeguard wildlife in specific zones, industries can still encroach upon migration corridors, affecting pronghorn populations negatively.
The Impact of Increasing Tree Cover on Pronghorn Habitats
Another notable concern affecting pronghorn populations in Wyoming is the encroachment of tree species into their habitats. Junipers and ponderosa pines are among the trees that have been expanding into Wyoming’s grasslands, creating barriers for pronghorn movement. While the extent of conifer spread in Wyoming is less severe compared to other regions, it significantly influences pronghorn habitats.
The proliferation of trees in rangelands alters the landscape, transforming once-sparse habitats into dense tree-covered areas unsuitable for pronghorn and other rangeland-adapted species. Factors like fire suppression and climate change-induced aridity contribute to the spread of trees, impacting the ecosystem and reducing habitat suitability for pronghorn.
the declining pronghorn populations in Wyoming are a result of various environmental factors, including fossil fuel developments, renewable energy projects, and the encroachment of tree species. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to preserve pronghorn habitats and ensure the sustainability of these iconic species.Free tree removal services are available with no hidden fees or advertising. We depend on contributions from individuals like yourself to sustain our operations. Please consider making a donation to uphold our mission.
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While Beck proposed removing juniper trees as a potential fix, Knox warned that cutting or burning these trees could have adverse effects on sagebrush and other shrub species crucial to sage-grouse habitat.
“Although cutting or mowing juniper trees could be a viable option, it is a costly endeavor,” Knox explained. “Burning them could also lead to setbacks for the sagebrush community for several decades.”
Despite the challenges mentioned, Knox emphasized the importance of the study’s results as a prompt for wildlife managers to develop comprehensive strategies for managing conifer encroachment to benefit multiple species in the future.
Preserving a Pillar of the State’s Identity and Economy
Pronghorn antelope hold special significance for residents of Wyoming and play a vital role in the state’s hunting sector. According to the 2023 Gross Domestic Product State Report by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation accounts for 4.1% of Wyoming’s economy, with a substantial portion of the industry’s $2.2 billion annual revenue attributed to hunting.
Beck expressed concerns that a decline in pronghorn populations could lead to reductions in the number of hunting permits issued by the state to maintain population levels. “If pronghorn numbers do not improve, we may see a decrease in hunting opportunities in the future,” Beck cautioned.
Referring to the study’s findings, experts underscored the significance of migration corridors and expansive rangelands that allow pronghorn to roam freely.
“Our team often refers to the concept of ‘freedom to roam,’ which pronghorn require,” Guenzel stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the declining pronghorn population. However, some conservationists argue that wildlife managers face obstacles in openly discussing the realities faced by wildlife, particularly when conflicts arise with the fossil fuel industry.
“While wildlife conservation remains a priority for our agencies, opposition from the oil and gas sector hampers our efforts,” Guenzel remarked.
“There needs to be more dialogue among Wyoming legislators, who take pride in their wildlife and natural resources, including oil and gas,” Berger added. “For wildlife conservation and the revival of pronghorn populations, the state must take proactive measures.”
Insights on This Report
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Thank you,
Najifa Farhat
Meet Najifa, Environmental Journalist
Background
Najifa, originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, has a rich background in environmental journalism spanning over three years. She recently graduated in Spring 2024 with a master’s degree in Environment and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana. Throughout her academic journey, Najifa engaged in freelance work for various local media outlets and gained valuable experience through reporting internships at leading institutions such as the Flathead Lake Biological Station and Montana Public Radio.
Passion and Motivation
Najifa’s passion lies in exploring pressing issues such as energy transition, public lands, and environmental challenges in rural areas. Her interest in these topics was sparked by her master’s project, which focused on a carbon sequestration initiative in Eastern Montana. Despite not having a formal background in environmental studies or science, Najifa is driven by a deep-seated motivation to delve into environmental journalism, fueled by the vulnerability of her homeland to the ravages of climate change. She is committed to shedding light on the stories of individuals worldwide who are grappling with the far-reaching impacts of climate change, with a specific focus on South Asia.
Author : usa-news
Publish date : 2024-07-22 09:54:07
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