Population Characteristics of Feral Horses Impacted by Anthropogenic Factors and Their Management Implications

Feral horses form relatively stable harems over time that are characterized by long-lasting bonds among their members, a characteristic makes them an exceptional case of social system terrestrial ungulates. Their has been described as uniform despite the wide differences in environment and demography. Horse populations subjected to human interference often show higher levels population instability can ultimately compromise reproductive success. In this article, we describe demographic dynamic changes Portuguese Garranos Serra d’Arga (SA), which is impacted predation pressures, six breeding seasons. Furthermore, tested several hypotheses related impact anthropogenic disturbance on structure dynamics population. Our results revealed SA had little at start project 2016. This was supported natural composition herd (total number individuals, 206), consisted single- multi-male ( n = 17 7, respectively) bachelor males 9). However, from 2017 2021, SA’s Garrano suffered drastic decline. Approximately two-thirds individuals all disappeared, 76% adult female transfers occurred after death or disappearance harem male. Predatory pressures poor management population, allowed illegal interference, contributed crisis. A low growth rate, reduced birth foal survival rates, addition delayed primiparous age were observed exacerbated its decline; suggesting viability compromised. Investigating causes consequences provide guidelines for managing help fight extinction horse breeds.