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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Arizona’s iconic Salt River wild horses are getting a health check thanks to a new state-funded research project aimed at securing the herd’s long-term survival.
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Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Board of Regents awarded researchers from the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University a $325,000 grant to conduct a comprehensive, two-year genetic study of the famous herd.
Working alongside federal wild horse experts, local university researchers will analyze critical DNA to help the Arizona Department of Agriculture make future, science-based decisions on herd management.
To ensure the study does not disrupt the wild animals, all genetic data will be collected in a completely noninvasive way—by tracking the horses and collecting fecal samples.
“They will look at the horse manure and sample that,” said Paul Brierley, Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. “So, that will require eyes on, knowing what horse deposited that manure, and then taking that fecal sample and tying it with the particular horses.”
According to Brierley, managing the herd sustainably relies on two distinct fields of study: range science and DNA science.
Currently, range science indicates that the current number of wild horses is too high for the local ecosystem to sustainably support. By using DNA science, researchers can pinpoint which specific horses are successfully contributing to the herd’s gene pool, helping officials maintain genetic diversity. The study will allow the department to thoroughly evaluate the herd’s genetic makeup, inbreeding levels, and overall population viability.
“So, the question is, as you reduce the size of the herd to match sustainably what the range provides for them, how do you best do that and keep genetic diversity, so the herd is sustainable?” Brierley said. “What is, sort of, the right number for the herd size to be and keep that genetic diversity, keep a healthy and sustainable horse herd?”
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The focus on genetic science follows a major policy shift from the state capitol. Earlier this month, Governor Hobbs suspended all Salt River wild horse removals through 2027.
This new directive supersedes a previous state provision that would have required the forced removal of 25 wild horses per year starting this September. Furthermore, a newly amended contract has increased the target herd size from 120 up to 170 horses.
State officials say the ultimate goal of the pause and the $325,000 scientific investment is to keep the beloved herd on the range safely and permanently.
“Our goal, and especially per Governor Katie Hobbs, is to make sure this herd is sustainable in the future,” Brierley said. “We have range science, we’re getting genetic science, using all of the science we can to make sure they can stay out there forever because… this is an asset that Arizona has and people love.”
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