MANAGEMENT OF COYOTES FOR PRONGHORN?

Coyotes (Canis latrans) and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) have co-existed for thousands of years, but in today\u27s production-oriented society the Pronghorn may need some help periodically. Although pronghorn numbers have rebounded dramatically since the early 20th century, continued management of this species is necessary and may include management of its primarily predator, the coyote. Pronghorn defense mechanisms offer protection from predators, but the coyote\u27s hunting strategies overcome these mechanisms The Trans-Pecos region of Texas holds the greatest numbers of pronghorn In the state. Ranchers in the Trans-Pecos can use predators, such as rainfall; strategies, such as proper livestock stocking rates and pasture deferment; and tools, such as predator control, to help manage pronghorn populations in the presence of coyotes

MANAGEMENT OF COYOTES FOR PRONGHORN?

Coyotes (Canis latrans) and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) have co-existed for thousands of years, but in today\u27s production-oriented society the Pronghorn may need some help periodically. Although pronghorn numbers have rebounded dramatically since the early 20th century, continued management of this species is necessary and may include management of its primarily predator, the coyote. Pronghorn defense mechanisms offer protection from predators, but the coyote\u27s hunting strategies overcome these mechanisms The Trans-Pecos region of Texas holds the greatest numbers of pronghorn In the state. Ranchers in the Trans-Pecos can use predators, such as rainfall; strategies, such as proper livestock stocking rates and pasture deferment; and tools, such as predator control, to help manage pronghorn populations in the presence of coyotes

FOOD HABITS OF MOUNTAIN LIONS IN THE TRANS-PECOS REGION OF TEXAS

Information regarding mountain lion (Felis concolor) food habits is relatively scarce overall, and this is particularly true in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Most information currently available is from Big Bend National Park where livestock are excluded and game animals are not actively managed. This study involved the analysis of 32 mountain lion stomachs collected throughout the Trans-Pecos over a 14 month period. Deer (Odocoileus spp.) and javelina (Tayassu tajacu) were the predominate prey species, each occurring in 39% of the stomachs analyzed. Domestic livestock was found in 9% of the total stomachs and non-game wildlife in 13%. Samples taken from areas with and without livestock differed significantly (P\u3c0.05). Samples from areas with livestock contained deer (50%), javelina (19%), small game (19%), and livestock (12%). Samples from areas without livestock contained javelina (86%) and deer (14%). No differences (P\u3e0.05) in food habits were found between sexes or among seasons of the year

FOOD HABITS OF MOUNTAIN LIONS IN THE TRANS-PECOS REGION OF TEXAS

Information regarding mountain lion (Felis concolor) food habits is relatively scarce overall, and this is particularly true in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Most information currently available is from Big Bend National Park where livestock are excluded and game animals are not actively managed. This study involved the analysis of 32 mountain lion stomachs collected throughout the Trans-Pecos over a 14 month period. Deer (Odocoileus spp.) and javelina (Tayassu tajacu) were the predominate prey species, each occurring in 39% of the stomachs analyzed. Domestic livestock was found in 9% of the total stomachs and non-game wildlife in 13%. Samples taken from areas with and without livestock differed significantly (P\u3c0.05). Samples from areas with livestock contained deer (50%), javelina (19%), small game (19%), and livestock (12%). Samples from areas without livestock contained javelina (86%) and deer (14%). No differences (P\u3e0.05) in food habits were found between sexes or among seasons of the year

PREDATION OF BIG GAME AND LIVESTOCK IN THE TEXAS TRANS-PECOS

Predation of livestock and big game remains a matter of concern for ranch managers and operators in the Trans-Pecos. Current evidence indicates that mountain lions (Felis concolor), bobcats (Lynx rufus), and coyotes (Canis latrans) are the primary predators involved, although little information is available on bobcats. A gradual shift from sheep to cattle management has resulted in a corresponding decrease in the intensity of predator control efforts for livestock protection. However, potential lease hunting income has renewed predator control efforts for protection of the 3 primary big game species, pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana). Available information suggests that predator management efforts can be beneficial to big game populations, especially if conducted in a timely and specific manner. Predator populations do not appear to have been negatively affected overall by recent predator management efforts in the Trans-Pecos