Pronghorn take off amidst the snow. Photo by: Joel Berger. Click to enlarge.
Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are the only surviving animal in the Antilocapridae family, and contrary to popular belief they are not antelopes. Their closes living relatives are, in fact, giraffe. But, according to a new report from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the migration of these last survivors is imperiled.
The pronghorn migration, which spans the U.S. and Canada, is threatened by loss of prairie habitat, fences, roads and railroads, sprawl, pipelines, and energy exploitation.
The report by Keith Aune looks at 41 different migrations across the North American landscape. Aune says, “The purpose of creating this list was to draw attention to these ecological wonders, and to the fact that they are rapidly disappearing. In addition, by demonstrating the tremendous cultural, economic, and biological value of wildlife migrations, we are fostering public interest and support for the on-the-ground and policy activities necessary for their conservation.”
For more news on migrations click here.