The Onaqui Mountain HMA has an AML of 210, which exceeds the minimum acceptable herd size of 150 to 200 animals in Section 4.4.6.3 of the WHB Handbook, but does that ensure genetic diversity?
Not really. The low end of AML is 121, so the BLM could take the herd down to that level, compromising genetic variation.
How about Sand Wash Basin? The AML is 163 to 363.
Nope, the low end is too low.
Hey Western Horse Watchers, what about Clan Alpine in Nevada, where the AML ranges from 612 to 979?
Not so fast, Chester!
There’s one more variable that must be considered: Are the advocates pounding the mares with pesticide-laced darts?
If so, the breeding population may dip below 50 even though the current population is well above the minimum recommended level.
This is what the advocates are doing at the Salt River and Virginia Range.
Eventually the herds will collapse because too many mares have been sterilized by the safe, proven and reversible “vaccines.”
Western Horse Watchers Association 