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Predator management receives OK in Unit 3A
The Arizona Republic
April 3, 2003
A four-year drop in antelope population and fawn survival in game management Unit 3A have prompted the Arizona Game and Fish Department to contract with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to remove a portion of the coyote population.
APHIS, a branch of the Department of Agriculture, will run predator management activities in the western part of the unit, northwest of Snowflake.
"Survival rates of pronghorn fawns have been poor since 1999, with observed average fawn crops during this time of 15 fawns for every 100 does," said Dave Cagle, game specialist for the department's regional office in Pinetop. "This population is decreasing, and needs a boost to better ensure its long-term viability. If the ratios can be increased to about 30 fawns to 100 does, then the pronghorn population will at least stabilize or slightly increase.
"Research has clearly and repeatedly shown that coyote-caused fawn predation can be a significant limiting factor affecting pronghorn fawn survival. Predator control measures, applied at the right time of year and with the right application, can greatly enhance dwindling antelope populations by improving fawn survival."
The department also has contracted with APHIS to remove coyotes in Units 5A and 5B, southeast of Flagstaff.
The Arizona Republic
April 3, 2003
A four-year drop in antelope population and fawn survival in game management Unit 3A have prompted the Arizona Game and Fish Department to contract with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to remove a portion of the coyote population.
APHIS, a branch of the Department of Agriculture, will run predator management activities in the western part of the unit, northwest of Snowflake.
"Survival rates of pronghorn fawns have been poor since 1999, with observed average fawn crops during this time of 15 fawns for every 100 does," said Dave Cagle, game specialist for the department's regional office in Pinetop. "This population is decreasing, and needs a boost to better ensure its long-term viability. If the ratios can be increased to about 30 fawns to 100 does, then the pronghorn population will at least stabilize or slightly increase.
"Research has clearly and repeatedly shown that coyote-caused fawn predation can be a significant limiting factor affecting pronghorn fawn survival. Predator control measures, applied at the right time of year and with the right application, can greatly enhance dwindling antelope populations by improving fawn survival."
The department also has contracted with APHIS to remove coyotes in Units 5A and 5B, southeast of Flagstaff.
