Born to Run: Pronghorn in North Central Arizona

Prairie ghost. Speed goat. Antelope. Most accurately called Pronghorn, they are the fastest land animals in North America, capable of speeds over 55mph. This icon of the American West is neither a goat nor an antelope, belonging instead to a family all its own. Pronghorn are a plains species, and rely on both their speed and eyesight to avoid predators. And despite their place in folklore and the popular imagination, in many places – such as the Verde Valley – this species is declining.

In this Speaker Series talk by Forest Service biologists Janie Agyagos and Francisco Anaya, learn about the biology of this fascinating species, from sexes, scat, and tracks to life history and threats to their welfare. Rangeland fences in particular can pose a problem, causing pronghorn to alter their behavior or deterring them entirely. Hear up-to-the-minute management tools that biologists are using to track pronghorn movement and fence interactions, and learn how to best make sure fences are wildlife-friendly.

Doors open at 6:30pm.

*The event is free but space is limited and registration is required to attend. The talk will be live-streamed to our YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.

*Videos courtesy of Coconino National Forest volunteer Don McClimans*

Janie Agyagos has over 30 years of work experience with the US Forest Service as a wildlife biologist. She earned a bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Arizona State University and currently serves as the District Wildlife Staff on the 550,000 acre Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. In this role, she is responsible for: inventorying and monitoring rare birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and plants; conducting project effect analyses and developing design features and mitigations for many special status species; consulting with US Fish and Wildlife Service on any projects that may affect listed species; designing and implementing habitat improvement projects; and managing area closures that protect species and habitat. Janie also stars in fun Coconino National Forest videos on Facebook! Check out her recent one on biological soil crusts. In addition, Janie has a long list of volunteers in the Verde Valley working on exciting wildife projects such as: surveying for all kinds of critters, monitoring kestrel nest boxes and bat roosts, and improving habitat for Verde Valley wildlife.

Francisco Anaya is the wildlife, fish, and rare plants manager for Prescott National Forest. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern New Mexico University, and previously served as Prescott National Forest's Ecologist. He likes turtles.

Host or Publisher Natural History Institute