Why are horses and burros not priority species on Sheldon?
National wildlife refuges are established for the protection of native wildlife and habitat. Sheldon, located in the northwestern corner of Nevada, occupies over 575,000 acres of high desert habitat and is managed for native plants and wildlife. This refuge was set aside in 1931 by Executive Order, primarily for the conservation of pronghorn antelope and other native wildlife species. The purpose was defined “as a refuge and breeding ground for wild animals and birds.” The 1997 amendments to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act established an even higher threshold, which reinforces the focus on the refuge purpose and management for biological integrity, diversity and environmental health. Horses and burros are not native to Sheldon and cause considerable damage to Sheldon Refuge’s natural resources. They must be managed consistent with the refuge’s purposes, which emphasize conservation of pronghorn antelope and other native animals and plants.
