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Kaimanawa Wild Horse Control Methods Jade Thompson
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Contents What are Kaimanawa Horses Why must they be controlled Methods of control Suggestions
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What are Kaimanawa Horses? Wild horses that roam the Kaimanawa Ranges First recorded in 1876 Welsh and Exmoor crossbreds Escapees of stations and army Calvary horses released in a strangles epidemic
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Why must their numbers be controlled? 1997 population was 1700, horses were severely malnourished and inbred, causing serious health problems Breeding rates currently at 26% per year (doubling every 3-4 years) Up to 31 unique plant species in the area they live 300 is the lowest population size that can remain genetically diverse with least impact on the environment
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Current Method April-DoC counts horses, gets a rough estimate of how many to remove June-surplus mustered, when pregnancies are least vulnerable, previous years foals are of suitable weaning age All horses that are mustered into the yards leave on trucks-to new homes or the abattoir
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Problems With Current Method 2012 190 horses mustered 105 found homes 85 slaughtered 2014 172 horses mustered 157 found homes 15 slaughtered
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Problems With Current Method
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Possible Methods of Control Immunocontraception Auction Australia/America methods
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Country Comparisons Australia-shoot brumbies from helicopters America-no kill policy, thousands of acres of yards where mustered horses live for the rest of their lives, 34000 currently in holding facilities, long term pastures
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Immunocontraception Aim to slow population growth and allow fewer horses to be slaughtered Muster less frequently, less human interference PZP-trialled in 1990’s and failed, unpleasant side affects to health/wellbeing/behaviour, unpractical and uneconomic GnRH-currently only up to 4 years infertility, being researched in America
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Auction Need preapproved buyers as they are wild horses Those with biggest budgets take best horses Far too stressful for the horses All horses must be transported and housed elsewhere
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Suggestions Continue to muster Immunocontraception research Horses suitable to rehome kept in yards like the American Mustangs, to be auctioned at future date
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References www.doc.govt.nz www.doc.govt.nz www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org www.wildhorses.co.nz www.wildhorses.co.nz www.protectmustangs.org www.protectmustangs.org http://www.change.org/en- AU/petitions/australian-government-ban- aerial-culling-of-australian-brumbies-in-all- australian-states http://www.change.org/en- AU/petitions/australian-government-ban- aerial-culling-of-australian-brumbies-in-all- australian-states
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