This is a story about the pronghorn, an ancient species that lives in the western and central regions of North America. To express the pronghorn’s incredible story, it is reasonable (for me) to digress into sci-fi.Imagine this with me:
Millions of light years away lies a remote planet called H-Trae. Gnorps live on this planet and have used their unique superpowers to survive for 18 million years. But a new group arrives and settles in with little regard for the area’s long-time residents and their needs. What once was a flourishing community of35 million gnorps is decimated to just500,000.
Back to Reality
This story actually belongs to some very real creatures on this planet: the pronghorn. Native to North America, pronghorns have existed for over18 million years. They shared the earth with the wooly mammoth and saber toothed tiger, and managed to outlive millions of species. How?
They have what you might call superpowers. With near360 degree vision, eyes as powerful as binoculars, as well as super speed, the traits of these impressive animals sound straight out of your favorite science fiction movie.
Don’t think you can sneak up on a pronghorn too easily, as theirwide set and powerful eyes give them exceptional vision to spot predators. Furthermore, although cheetahs get all the credit as the sprinters of the animal kingdom, pronghorns clock in as the second fastest land animal in the world. Top speeds can reach up to60 miles per hour, and they can outrun a human justtwo days after they’re born. They’re also known to be fantasticswimmers. The next step for pronghorns – learn how to bicycle and become the triathlon champs of the animal kingdom.Â
Pronghorn Migration Corridors
As unfortunate as it is, the story of the gnorps with its troubled ending mirrors what is happening to the pronghorn. One primary reason for this dramatic populationdwindling is the obstruction and endangerment of their migration corridors. For pronghorn, winters can be perilous — with freezing temperatures making the land barren andinhospitable. This forces them to embark on their annual hike of over150 miles to seek refuge in a more stable area. Over the years,eight different historic paths have been blazed to bring Wyoming pronghorn to and from their seasonal homes.
But as the unforgiving winters now roll in, pronghorns make the same triumphant trek their ancestors made for millions of years, only to find their pathways blocked by highways, fencing, private ranches and other human infrastructure. Alarmed, they are forced to explore moredangerous pathways to their areas of refuge, an endeavor that is fatal to many. Out of the eight historic traveling paths, onlytwo remain.Â
Wildlife migration corridors of animals all over the country have been negatively impacted by human development. Species have been subject to habitat fragmentation, which is a driving cause of population decline. Bills like theWildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act will help to reconnect nature and protect species of all kinds.Â
Our ancient neighbors deserve to be protected. We are lucky to witness the existence of these incredible creatures, and we can take steps to ensure that generation after generation can experience them as well. You can urge your elected representatives to prioritize wildlife corridors and protect the pronghorn.Â
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Casey works on campaigns that protect and save America’s wildlife. Casey lives in Rocklin, California, and enjoys hiking, DJing, and rooting for the San Francisco Giants.
