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National Academy of Sciences Meeting October 27, 2011

National Academy of Sciences Meeting October 27, 2011. Wild Horse and Burro Program Summary of Presentation. Introduction – What BLM desires the NRC Review BLM Expectations How study results will be used 11 questions posed to NRC Wild Horse and Burro Act (1971) Mandate

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National Academy of Sciences Meeting October 27, 2011

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  1. National Academy of Sciences MeetingOctober 27, 2011

  2. Wild Horse and Burro ProgramSummary of Presentation • Introduction – What BLM desires the NRC Review • BLM Expectations • How study results will be used • 11 questions posed to NRC • Wild Horse and Burro Act (1971) Mandate • Overview of Existing Program Management • History, Program Status & Facts & Figures • New WHB Strategy • Questions/Discussion

  3. Why did BLM Come to the National Research Council • Tremendous controversy, emotion and widely divergent, conflicting opinions about how WHB should be managed • High public and Congressional Interest • 2010 OIG Recommendation • NRC - Independent and respected • Known for unbiased and scientific based findings and recommendations for improved government decision making and policy

  4. How will BLM use the outcome of this study • Within the confines of existing law, BLM will use the findings and recommendations to: • Inform, modify and focus existing management • Reassess and refine short and long term WHB management

  5. What data can be shared with the Committee • BLM’s staff and any information we have is available to the Committee • Policies and manuals • WHB Research Committee • Managers and staff • Requested data

  6. Who is the Point Person for BLM • Zachary Reichold, Wild Horse and Burro Specialist – Washington DC Staff • Contract Representative • (202) 912-7261 • ztreichold@blm.gov

  7. Agencies Interpretation of the Statement of Task • Review three prior NRC Reports (1980, 1982, and 1991) as background to current study • Summarize relevant new research completed since the publication of the previous three reports • Considering existing science, data from BLM and others, address the Statement of Task’s 11 questions

  8. Eleven Questions 1. Estimates of the WH&B populations: Given available information and methods, how accurately can WH&B populations in the West be estimated? What are the best methods to estimate WH&B herd numbers and what is the margin of error in those methods? Are there better techniques than the BLM currently uses to estimate population numbers? For example, could genetics or remote sensing using unmanned aircraft be used to estimate WH&B population size and distribution?

  9. Eleven Questions 2. Population Modeling: Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the WinEquus population model for predicting impacts on wild horse populations given various stochastic factors and management alternatives. What types of decisions are most appropriately supported using the WinEquus model? Is there a better model (i.e. the HSUS model) the BLM should consider for future uses?

  10. Eleven Questions 3. Genetic diversity in WH&B herds: What does information available on WH&B herds’ genetic diversity indicate about long-term herd health, from a biological and genetic perspective? Is there an optimal level of genetic diversity within a herd to manage for? What management actions can be undertaken to achieve an optimal level of genetic diversity if it is too low?

  11. Eleven Questions 4. Annual rates of WH&B population growth: Evaluate estimates of the annual rates of increase in WH&B herds, including factors affecting the accuracy of and uncertainty related to the estimates. Is there compensatory reproduction as a result of gathers to remove excess WH&B or application of PZP-22 over a 4-year gather cycle, and if so, what is the level of compensatory reproduction occurring? Would WH&B populations self-limit if they were not controlled, and if so, what indicators (rangeland condition, animal condition, health, etc.) would be present at the point of self-limitation?

  12. Eleven Questions 5. Predator impact on WH&B population growth: Evaluate information relative to the abundance of predators and their impact on WH&B populations. Although predator management is the responsibility of the USFWS or State wildlife agencies and given the constraints in existing federal law, is there evidence that predators alone could effectively control WH&B population size in the West?

  13. Eleven Questions 6. Population control: What scientific factors should be considered when making population control decisions (roundups, fertility control, sterilization of either males or females, sex ratio adjustments to favor males and other population control measures) relative to the effectiveness of control approach, herd health, genetic diversity, social behavior, and animal well-being?

  14. Eleven Questions 7. Immunocontraceptionof wild horse mares (porcine zonapellucida): Evaluate information related to the effectiveness of immunocontraception in preventing pregnancies and reducing herd populations. Are there other fertility control agents or population control methods the BLM should consider (for either mares or stallions)?

  15. Eleven Questions 8. Managing a portion of a population as non-reproducing: What factors should the BLM consider when managing for WH&B herds with a reproducing and non-reproducing population of animals (i.e., a portion of the population is a breeding population and the remainder is non-reproducing males or females)? When implementing non-reproducing populations, which tools should be considered (geldings (castration), sterilized (spayed) mares or vasectomized stallions or other chemical sterilants)? Is there credible evidence to indicate vasectomized stallions in a herd would be effective in decreasing annual population growth rates, or are there other methods the BLM should consider for managing stallions in a herd that would be effective in tangibly suppressing population growth?

  16. Eleven Questions 9. AML Establishment or Adjustment:Evaluate the BLM’s approach to establishing or adjusting AML as described in the 4700-1 Wild Horses and Burros Management Handbook. Are there other approaches to establishing or adjusting AML the BLM should consider? How might BLM improve its ability to validate AML?

  17. Eleven Questions 10. Societal Considerations: What options are available to BLM to address the widely divergent and conflicting perspectives about WH&B management and consider stakeholder concerns while using the best available science to protect land and animal health?

  18. Eleven Questions 11. Additional Research Needs: Identify research needs and opportunities related to the topics listed above. What research should be the highest priority for the BLM to fill information and data gaps, reduce uncertainty, and improve decision-making and management?

  19. Wild Horse and Burro Act (1971-as amended in 1976,1978 & 2004) • Mandate & Constraints • Amendments • BLM and USFS

  20. Wild Horse & Burro Act (1971) • WHB to be considered in areas where they are presently found as an integral part of the natural system of public lands • Can not relocate animals to areas where they did not previously exist in 1971 • Maintain a thriving natural ecological balance in combination with other multiple uses • Management at the minimum feasible management level • Conduct Research

  21. Wild Horse & Burro Act (1971) • Authorized to use helicopters for capture and motor vehicles for transport (1976) • Immediately remove excess animals and determine if AMLs are to be achieved by removal or destruction of excess animals or other means such as sterilization or natural controls (1978) • Maintain a current inventory (1978)

  22. Wild Horse & Burro Act (1971) • Excess animals made available for adoption (1978) • Destroy those for which no adoption demand exists (1978) • Sale w/o limitation (2004): • Offered unsuccessfully for adoption 3 times • 11 years and older

  23. Where Are They Found • 10 western states • 179 Herd Management Areas • 26.9 million acres public land • 31.6 million acres all ownerships • 26,600 Appropriate Management Level • 38,500 estimated pop. (Feb. 2011) • 33,000 horses • 5,500 burros • 19,000 to 21,000 estimated in Nevada (Feb. 2011)

  24. Existing Program ManagementSix Components • Management on the Range • Population Control: Gathers, Population Growth Suppression Methods • Preparation for Adoption (Short-term holding) • Adoption Program • Adoption Oversight – Compliance Checks • Long Term Holding

  25. Components of Program ManagementPopulation Control: Removals & population growth suppression • Population Control • Removal: helicopters/bait water trap • Catch Treat & Release Gathers • Fertility Control • Sex ratio adjustment to favor males • Introduction of non-reproductive herd components (geldings)

  26. Current Program Status • Estimated WHB population on the range = 38,500 • Target Management Number (AML) = 26,600 • Captive animals in Short Term Holding = 11,233 • Captive animals in Long Term Holding = 30,012 • Total in Captivity = 41,245 • Removals: 10,000/yr. (2010-2011) • PZP Fertility control - average of 500/yr. (2004 – 2010), Treated 1,017 in 2011 • Adoptions: dropped from 7,700 (2003) to about 3,100 (2010) • Sales: about 650/yr. (2005 -2010)

  27. Wild Horse and Burro Removals & Adoptions

  28. Holding Costs vs. Total Budget

  29. GAO Report – 2008 FINDINGS Significant progress made towards achieving AML Spiraling off range holding costs not sustainable RECOMMENDATIONS Implement improved population survey methods Develop cost effective alternatives for caring for unwanted horses Improve transparency and provide better information to public Limited options for dealing with unadoptable animals: Discuss with Congress how best to comply with the WHB Act or amend it so BLM can be in compliance

  30. OIG Report - 2010 Findings: • Gathers are justified • BLM’s care and handling are humane • Unchecked horse populations and rising holding costs are not sustainable Recommendations • Focus on research and testing of improved population growth control to balance adoption demand with removals and reduce numbers removed • Over the long term reduce need for LTH and STH facilities • Confirm the best science and needed new research through a NAS study

  31. FY 2010 Appropriations Act • Directed BLM to prepare a comprehensive, long-term plan and policy for wild horse and burro management.

  32. New Management Strategy Development Process • Secretary’s Initiative (2009) • BLM Teams • Draft Strategy (June, 2010) • 9,000 public comments • Revised Draft Strategy (Feb., 2011) • 43,000 public comments • WHB Advisory Board Comments (March, 2011) • Final Draft Strategy – Soon to be delivered to Congress • Next 3 years of management • Implementation started

  33. Preview - Seven Elements of ReformPredicated on a Flat $75M Budget • Sustainable Herds/Population Growth Suppression • Science and Research • Partnership WHB Sanctuaries 4. Animal Welfare Program 5. Increase Adoptions 6. Program Transparency/Public Outreach • Ecotourism

  34. 1. Sustainable Herds • Reduce removals from 10,000/ yr to 7,600 next 3 yrs. • Maintain existing on-the-range number (38,500) • Achieve AML in highest priority areas • Monitor, evaluate and adjust AMLs • Expand passive capture methods (bait and water trapping) • Implement improved census methods • Increase Population Growth Suppression: treat 2000 head/yr. (increase from 500/yr) • Fertility Control (PZP), geldings, sex ratio adjustment to favor males • Consider incorporating non-reproductive herd components among reproductive horses and non-reproductive herds in some areas. • Long Term Goal • Balance Removals with Adoptions • Achieve AML

  35. 2. Science and Research • Use best science available • Continue existing research on population growth suppression agents • Prospective 3 year conventional PZP agent, Dr. John Turner • SpayVac Study, USGS • Considering Spay research proposal: Mortality & Miscarriage rate • Invited USGS to submit research proposal to evaluate effects on social behavior and range use patterns of non-reproductive herd components (geldings) among breeding herds • Explore new research for population growth suppression methods

  36. Questions/Discussion

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