The Last of the Prairie Ghosts

THE SONORAN PRONGHORN

by Austin Gerety


Sonoran Pronghorns, Antilocapra american sonoriensis, or what are locally called"prairie ghosts" are  large-bodied and slender-legged antelope that roam the flat desert plains of Southern Arizona and Sonora Mexico.  Pronghorns are a genetically and geographically unique subspecies that have found their niche in the perpetually harsh and dry lands of the Sonoran Desert.  Limited food availability from drought forces the pronghorns to relish in a diet of herbs, roots and cacti.  Amazingly though, these same conditions are also responsible for its ability to erect its bristle-like hair in patches on its body to release body heat, and its recognition as the fastest land mammal in North America

Since human settlement, 75% of pronghorn habitat has been continually threatened and diminished by urban development, agriculture, livestock grazing and military activities. after evolving in the prairies of North America 20 million year, pronghorns now only inhabit small parts of southern Arizona and Sonora Mexico.  Populations in Arizona are estimated to be less then 300, and in mexico less then 500.

The endangerment of the Sonoran Pronghorn was brought about by the conditions that many other endangered species know too well.  urban sprawl, agriculture, livestock grazing, coupled with the already devastating affects of severe drought from climate change have diminished pronghorn numbers greatly.  military aviation activities, and the splitting affects of national borders are other specific threats destroying and fragmenting pronghorn habitat

The Pronghorn has been on the Endangered Species Lists since March 11 1987, with its Recovery Plan not being implemented until December 3 1998.  The goal is simple, get the Sonoran Pronghorn off the Endangered Species List.  To do this Fish and Wildlife is starting small by supplementing current populations with forage and water, and focusing on evaluating habitat and reproductive needs through further research. Experimenting with captive breeding and emphasis on the preservation of core herds in case of catastrophe are other main pints of the recovery plan. After that Fish and wildlife hopes to establish and maintain a population of at least 300 individuals for 5 years in the US and assist Mexico in any way it can with its population.  if the right measures are taken it is very likely that our "Prairie Ghosts" will be here to stay.

Works Cited:
http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/981203.pdf

http://www.wmicentral.com/sports/recreation/the-epic-journey-of-sonoran-pronghorn/article

http://www.defenders.org/sonoran-pronghorn/basic-facts