Habitat selection patterns of feral horses in southcentral Wyoming

摘要: Feral horse habitat selection patterns and forage attributes on available habitats were studied public rangelands of southcentral Wyoming. Environmental assessments preceding roundup excess horses requires resource data to justify the number removed. Randomly selected bands followed for 24-hour observation periods during spring summer determine if they utilized in proportion their abundance. We also determined abundance, succulence (an index palatability), percent utilization, dietary composition related selected. Streamsides, bog/meadows, mountain sagebrush preferentially (p less than or equal 0.05). Lowland avoided no apparent behavior was shown grassland coniferous forest habitats. Forage palatability, utilization higher 0.05) streamside bog/meadow classes. Diet indicated that sedges (Carex sp.), common streamsides an important feral horses. Palatability abundance graminoid vegetation proximity preferred seemed be primary influences by