What is a thriving ecological balance?
There is no single or specific description for thriving ecological balance. There are some measurable and inter-related characteristics which are common to areas when ecological balance has been established. A thriving ecological balance requires that wild horses and burros and other animals on the HMA such as privately owned cattle and native wildlife, be in good health and reproducing at a rate that sustains the population, the key vegetative species are able to maintain their composition, production, and reproduction, the soil resources are being protected, maintained or improved, an a sufficient amount of good quality water is available to the animals. The number of animals which can live on an HMA while maintaining a thriving ecological balance is called an *AML.* BLM defines it as a thriving ecological balance is accomplished through conducting vegetative monitoring studies designed to measure grazing impacts to the different vegetative communities. Key attributes monitored inclu
