Pronghorn Migration Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

The welfare challenges facing pronghorn antelope during their ancient migration routes across the American West.

Key Facts

Pronghorn undertake one of the longest terrestrial migrations in North America, covering up to 300 miles
Fencing, roads, and development fragment pronghorn migration corridors, causing welfare and population impacts
Migration is essential for pronghorn to access seasonal food resources and maintain body condition
Pronghorn are the second fastest land animal, adapted for open-landscape speed rather than fence-jumping
Wildlife crossing projects have documented pronghorn use of underpasses and overpasses on key routes
Fence modification programmes including smoother lower wires allow pronghorn to slip under more easily

Welfare Considerations

Pronghorn migration represents a wildlife welfare issue created by landscape fragmentation. When fences, roads, and development block migration routes, pronghorn that attempt to reach seasonal ranges can become exhausted, injured, or unable to access adequate nutrition. Individual animals caught against impenetrable fences may starve or injure themselves attempting to cross. Conservation and welfare in this context are the same issue: restoring landscape connectivity protects both individual animals and population viability. Fence modification is one of the most cost-effective interventions available.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife corridor conservation organizations working on pronghorn migration routes in the American West
Advocate for fence modification guidelines on private land that allow safe pronghorn passage
Engage with highway agencies about wildlife crossing infrastructure on roads crossing migration corridors
Support land trusts conserving open landscapes that maintain pronghorn movement opportunities
Raise awareness that pronghorn migration is one of North America's great wildlife phenomena under threat