People now have access to a modeling tool the U.S. Geological Survey developed that predicts outcomes of using non-lethal methods to manage and protect wild horses on public lands.

PopEquus is intended to provide "realistic expectations that will help inform the use of various population-control methods to protect animal and land health from overpopulation," according to a March 1 news release.

“PopEquus is a ground-breaking new tool that will no doubt become invaluable to BLM field staff and managers as they compare different ways to manage and protect wild horses and their habitat on public lands, especially as drought and overpopulation continue to threaten animal and land health,” Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Division Chief Holle` Waddell said in the release. 

“The BLM is grateful for the hard work and determination that went into building PopEquus, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and other scientists and experts who share our goal of using the best-available science and technology to manage and protect healthy wild horses and burros on healthy public lands,” Waddell added, according to the release.

The U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center began developing PopEquus in 2016, with financial support from the BLM, according to the BLM website. The tool became available to the public in January.

“At the USGS, we sought to provide a science-based tool for wild horse and burro managers to inform their decision making,” U.S. Geological Survey Research Wildlife Biologist Kate Schoenecker said in the release. “Being able to compare outcomes of various management actions and the financial costs of those actions can help managers consider and weigh trade-offs. We hope this tool will be educational for the public as well, as it shows the constraints and intricacies of managing wild horses and burros using real-life scenarios.”