Surgical Sterilization of Coyotes to Reduce Predation on Pronghorn Fawns

摘要: Sterilization of coyotes (Canis latrans) has been shown to reduce predation domestic sheep. We investigated whether sterilizing would similarly on pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) neonates in southeastern Colorado. In a study from May 2006 March 2008, we radio-collared 71 fawns determine survival rates and causes death. During the first year study, all were intact. second year, captured sterilized southern half area, while northern given sham sterilizations. addition, surveyed availability alternative prey examined influence snowfall precipitation fawn small mammal detection. Using known fate model Program Mark, constructed models that included treatment effect, plus prey, individual covariates estimate survival. Fawn was higher for sterile coyote home ranges than intact (P = 0.078). Subtle differences locale affected survival; north south both years 0.081). Lagomorph abundance not influential 0.293) nor rodent 0.264), but increased vegetation may have impaired detection probabilities. did detect any relationship between gender, birth weight, date, age, or density 1 Co-authored by Eric Gese Mary Conner. 11 > 0.110). Although experienced record winter conditions, this contributed 0.364). Our results indicate sterilization be useful tool wildlife managers fawns.