There were 119 horses on Shackleford Banks at the end of 2024 according to an undated report by NPS, up from 117 at the end of 2023.
The AML is 120 to 130, a narrow range that implies a small growth rate, tiny breeding population and massive interference in nature’s way.
Fourteen foals were born in 2024, for a birth rate of twelve percent.
Eleven horses died, so the population should have increased by three not two.
Curiously, the report for 2023 is 404.
Two cases of failure to thrive were reported, a condition that may indicate inadequate genetic diversity.
The herd consisted of 61% females and 39% males.
The unusual sex ratio is a result of long-term use of PZP, an ovary-killing pesticide.
Eight mares who had recent foals were treated in 2024. They contributed to the gene pool, now they will be sterilized, a standard practice in fertility control programs.
The number of nonviable mares in the herd was not given.
Annual reports are posted to the Cape Lookout wildlife management page.
RELATED: Shackleford Herd Shrinks by Seven in 2023.
Western Horse Watchers Association 