| dc.description.abstract | Many areas of the Southern High Plains provide valuable habitat for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). However, in recent years pronghorn numbers have declined over much of this region (M. Snider, Range Conservationist, USFS, and F. Carlile, Wildlife Biologist, Okla. Dept. of Wildl. Cons. 1976 personal communication). During the past five I years, pronghorn populations on the Comanche National Grassland (CNG) in southeastern Colorado have decreased sharply. Therefore, this study was undertaken to learn more about pronghorn habitat and certain pronghorn behavioral factors in this area of the Southern High Plains. After conferring with the U.S. Forest Service area personnel, two study areas were selected on the CNG near Springfield, Colorado. At the outset of the study, there were several unanswered questions pertaining to pronghorn on the Southern High Plains and particularly on the two study areas selected. To what extent, if any, are pronghorn populations affected by (1) vegetation composition and structure, (2) quality of forage, (3) climatic extremes and fluctuations, (4) land use, (5) predation, (6) poaching, and (7) interaction of al 1 these factors. The first four questions were selected for research during this study. This thesis is presented in chapters to facilitate publication as technical articles in scientific periodicals. Each chapter represents a separate article. The style and format of each chapter is in accordiance with guidelines from The Journal of Wildlife Management and The Journal of Range Management. Permission to present this thesis in this manner was granted by the Oklahoma State University Graduate School. | |
