The behavior of pronghorn-antelope in southcentral New Mexico

TitleThe behavior of pronghorn-antelope in southcentral New Mexico
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication1969
AuthorsEngelking C.T.
Number of Pages67
Date Published1969
UniversityNew Mexico State University
CityLas Cruces, New Mexico
Thesis TypeM.S. Thesispp
Call Number00497
KeywordsAntilocarpa,behavior, dissertation, dissertations, mammal, Antilocarpa, mammal, pronghorn antelope, Antilocarpa, management, Antilocarpa, pronghorn antelope, SEE <ANTILOCARPA>, theses, thesis
AbstractThis study was conducted to determine some behavior patterns of pronghorn-antelope (Antilocapra americana) and to determine what factors were responsible for the static condition of these herds. The herds under study are located on the Jornada Del Muerto Plains, 23 miles north of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and on Fort Stanton, approximately five miles east of Capitan, New Mexico. Behavior studies included sexual, ingestive, eliminative, bedding, and individual and social behavior patterns. Interspecies relationships of pronghorns and how fences influenced distribution and movement was also studied. As a result of these behavior studies, several management practices have been recommended for pronghorn antelope. It was concluded that both herds were gradually increasing. The slow growth-rate of the Jornada pronghorn population was attributed to inferior forage as a result of low precipitation levels. A combination of poaching and forage availability was thought to be the cause for the slow growth-rate of the Fort Stanton population.