Movement Patterns of Nilgai Antelope in South Texas: Implications for Cattle Fever Tick Management

Research on nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in South Texas revealed they carry cattle fever ticks (CFT), vectors for bovine babesiosis that threatens the cattle industry despite ongoing eradication efforts. GPS tracking of 30 nilgai showed highly variable home ranges with females (median 1,606 ha) potentially spreading CFT more than males (median 4,665 ha) due to seasonal movement patterns during summer months when female social groups disperse. The study found that while nilgai will cross most fence types, they won’t cross 1.25m cattle fences parallel to paved highways, suggesting these barriers could help control CFT spread – highlighting how understanding wildlife movement at livestock interfaces can inform disease management strategies.

Citation

related PUBLICATIONS

Temporal Relationships of Breeding Landbirds and Productivity on a Working Landscape

February 17, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Perspectives on Agricultural Research Organizations: A New Tool for Agricultural Research and Land Stewardship

January 29, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Determining the Age Classes of Free-ranging Female Nilgai in Southern Texas, USA

December 21, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Hematology and Biochemical Reference Intervals and Seroprevalence of Hemorrhagic Diseases for Free-Ranging Mule Deer in West Texas

December 12, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Long Live the Cat: Ocelot Population Viability in a Planned Reintroduced Population in Texas, USA

November 20, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Pryric-carnivory: Predation of a Texas Tortoise by a Crested Caracara Following a Prescribed Fire

October 10, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Contact Our Education Team

Complete the form below and our team will reach out shortly.