Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Oklahoma
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is a popular big game species in Oklahoma and a conservation success story across the American West. However, pronghorn populations in Oklahoma are currently restricted to the panhandle region, which is typically characterized by extreme weather events, high variability in resource availability, and an increasing influence of anthropogenic activities associated with agricultural operations and energy infrastructure. Recent apparent population declines and suspected low recruitment have prompted questions regarding causes of decline. This research will estimate pronghorn survival and cause-specific mortality, fecundity and recruitment rates, and movement patterns. This project also leverages historical survey data collected by ODWC to evaluate population trends and growth rate. This research is a collaboration between the USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Oklahoma State University, East Central University, Texas A&M Kingsville, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The combined information from this research will assist ODWC in managing pronghorn by providing specific recommendations related to monitoring, harvest, and habitat management.