On March 1, the U.S. Geological Survey and Bureau of Land Management released a new tool that can be used to predict outcomes of population control techniques to manage wild horses on public lands. The new program PopEquus is intended to inform land managers how herd management methods could affect population levels. The model can predict expected outcomes from different fertility control methods and allow managers to compare potential implications of management decisions.

“PopEquus is a ground-breaking new tool that will no doubt become invaluable to BLM field staff and managers as they compare different ways to manage and protect wild horses and their habitat on public lands, especially as drought and overpopulation continue to threaten animal and land health,” said BLM Wild Horse and Burro Division Chief Holle` Waddell. “The BLM is grateful for the hard work and determination that went into building PopEquus, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and other scientists and experts who share our goal of using the best-available science and technology to manage and protect healthy wild horses and burros on healthy public lands.”