The advocates, blinded by ideology, cannot see the relationship between their fertility control programs and genetic diversity.
Consider this example from Appendix XII, response to public comments, in the North Complex Wild Horse Gather Plan.
Item 15 concerns AMLs and genetic viability:
Item 17, submitted by the same person, concerns fertility control:
BLM Handbook H-4700-1 says in section 4.4.6.3 that a minimum population size of 50 effective breeding animals (i.e., a total population size of about 150-200 animals) is recommended to maintain an acceptable level of genetic diversity.
The guideline applies to reproducing populations.
Apparently, the advocates think that genetic health can be achieved and maintained by reducing or eliminating genetic mixing.
It is they, not the BLM, that have some explaining to do.
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