Feral Horses, Feral Asses, and Professional Politicians: Broodings From a Beleaguered Biologist

Authors

• Vernon C. Bleich, University of Nevada RenoFollow

Date of this Version

Fall 2022

Document Type

Article

Citation

Human–Wildlife Interactions (Fall 2022) 16(2): article 16 

doi: 10.26077/c313-9457 

Special topic: New research in wild horse management

Comments

Open access. License: CC BY 4.0

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.