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

Importance of Private Lands in ESA Implementation: 50 Years of Reflection and Conservation

June 2, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Understanding the Diet of an Unmanaged Population of Coyotes in Southern Texas

May 22, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

Enabling Endangered Species Conservation on Private Land: A Case Study of the Ocelot in Texas

May 19, 2025
Peer-Reviewed

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

Contact Our Education Team

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