Pronghorn Migration Conservation

Protecting the welfare of pronghorn antelope through conservation of migration corridors.

Key Facts

Pronghorn make the second-longest land migration in North America, up to 300 miles each way
Migration corridors have been fragmented by fencing, roads, and development in many areas
Pronghorn cannot jump fences like deer and must find gaps or go under fence lines
Wildlife underpasses and modified fence designs have successfully restored some migration routes
Pronghorn numbers declined from 35 million to fewer than 400,000 by the early 20th century
Current pronghorn population is approximately 700,000, largely recovered through conservation efforts

Welfare Considerations

Pronghorn migration welfare encompasses the individual welfare of animals attempting to navigate increasingly fragmented landscapes and the population welfare implications of migration disruption. Animals unable to complete migrations face nutritional stress, reduced reproduction, and increased mortality that reduce both individual and population welfare. The relatively low-cost solution of wildlife-friendly fencing modifications and underpasses has demonstrated that migration restoration is achievable without prohibitive economic cost. The welfare case for migration corridor protection is inseparable from the conservation case, as migration is a behavioral necessity rather than an optional behavior for pronghorn.

What You Can Do

Support conservation organizations working on pronghorn migration corridor protection
Advocate for wildlife-friendly fencing standards in pronghorn habitat areas
Donate to wildlife underpass and fence modification programs
Learn about the migration routes in your region and the barriers they face
Support land trusts protecting critical pronghorn migration corridor habitat
Engage with ranching communities about wildlife-friendly fence designs that work for livestock