"Advocating for wild horses and cherishing their beauty goes beyond admiration; it involves addressing the practical challenges they face. With only around 20 new Equine Vets entering practice annually, handling crises involving horses or wild horses becomes a concern. Some Vets may hesitate due to intimidation and threats, while others bravely step forward.
In areas where wildlife coexists with communities, injuries are reported, necessitating a response for essential care. Recognizing that wild animals, including horses, deserve life-saving treatments is crucial. In communities near wildlife, having veterinarians willing to treat animals despite potential intimidation or threats is invaluable.
Having a crisis plan for injured animals is crucial for effective wildlife preservation. The panic of not knowing whom to call during an emergency is a personal experience, and the option of putting the animal down is unacceptable, especially facing the risk of extinction, as seen in the wild horses of the Ruidoso area.
Beyond measures like hunting or darting for birth control, the primary focus should be on establishing proper first-response care for wild horses. This foundational care is vital for their survival and contributes significantly to their overall well-being and the advocacy efforts surrounding them."
Modern technology, including apps, has become a valuable tool in wildlife conservation efforts. These apps can help keep track of each animal in the wild without causing significant disturbance. Using GPS tracking, remote sensing, and other technologies, these apps enable researchers, biologists, and advocates to monitor wild horse populations more efficiently and gather essential data on individual animals.
The non-intrusive nature of these tracking apps allows for minimal disruption to the natural behavior of the animals while providing valuable insights into their movements, health, and interactions. This combination of traditional fieldwork and innovative technology enhances our ability to understand and protect wild horse populations effectively. Integrating such tools into conservation strategies further empowers efforts to ensure the well-being and preservation of these magnificent creatures.
"It is highly alarming when misinformation or lack of education circulates about wild horses, particularly regarding population counts. Some individuals take advantage of the absence of comprehensive wild horse studies in New Mexico and act based on inaccurate information. For instance, the claim of hundreds of wild horses in the area is unfounded; in reality, there are about 80 wild horses, and the band is under extinction-level concern according to wildlife standards.
The absence of proper studies in the area raises concerns about equity in actions taken for the well-being of these horses. Without accurate information, decisions may not align with the best interests of the wild horses, emphasizing the urgent need for thorough and reliable studies in the region. Addressing this misinformation is crucial to ensure the proper care and preservation of these magnificent creatures."
When people mention numbers like 200 to 1000 horses, it's crucial to inquire about the source of their information. Was there a professional study conducted, or is this information based on hearsay? Understanding the reliability and credibility of the data ensures a more accurate and informed perspective on the wild horse population in the area. Asking these questions promotes responsible discourse and helps prevent the spread of potentially inaccurate information. 🐴📊 #WildlifeDataAccuracy #InformedUnderstanding
Additionally, it's important to remember that veterinarians specializing in wild horses are scarce, and New Mexico currently lacks a dedicated wild horse vet on its roster. Recognizing this shortage underscores the challenges in providing optimal care for the wild horse population. Advocate for the need to address this gap and emphasize the importance of having professionals with specific expertise in wild horse health and well-being. 🐎👩⚕️ #WildHorseHealth #VeterinaryCareChallenges
Debi Wilcox
Wild and Running Free
Interesting. Are you raising funds for a study of the Wild Horses.