The study found almost no change in the number or mix of the 14 species of raptors, owls and scavengers that used the areas, whether or not the coyotes were present. However, Henke said, the small predators increased dramatically in the absence of coyotes. All four of the species mentioned above showed a dramatic increase in their presence on the coyote-free areas. Coyote removal, which any sheepman can tell you requires a herculean effort, occurred once every three months from April 1990 to January 1992. Some 354 coyotes were killed on treatment sites, but the overall coyote population was only reduced by about 50 percent.
Coyotes migrate easily into areas unoccupied by other coyote packs.
Such was the case in the study areas, despite the aerial gunning. Henke said he was surprised that the Ord's kangaroo rat turned out to be the species that benefited most from coyote depopulation. But he noted that the last months of the study coincided with a drier than normal period in western Texas, and that coyotes are well-adapted to dry conditions. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.