This handsome Pronghorn buck is from the Chihuahuan grasslands in southern New Mexico. Specifically, this shot was taken in an area that represents the most pristine habitat left in what was once a vast and vital eco-zone.
The Yucca plants bloom into beautiful white flowers in June, followed by the pods seen in these images - they are extremely high in nutrients and are a very important food source for the wildlife.
Great info and shots Jim.love to see the environment. What keeps the pronghorn population at bay? I think their main predator left North America round the last ice age. In NJ deer are controlled by masses of collisions with 2 ton moving vehicles!
Eric
eyelaser wrote:
Great info and shots Jim.love to see the environment. What keeps the pronghorn population at bay? I think their main predator left North America round the last ice age. In NJ deer are controlled by masses of collisions with 2 ton moving vehicles!
Eric
Hey Eric, thanks for the comment. Yes, the North American Cheetah is long gone - now their biggest threat is predation on the fawns by Coyotes - and it can be a big threat! The mother Antelope leaves the fawns hidden alone much of the time as the fawns put off no smell...as such they are safer away from an adult. Other than that, a few succumb to lions, and even Golden Eagles. They are a treat to be around and photograph...when you can get close.
Thanks, Jim, for the variety of information, the little picture story and the excellent images.
I've seen pronghorns many times, but never a small young one- maybe it's because they're secreted away in plain sight- and don't move.
I have trouble imagining baby mammals with no smell to them, but I'll take your word on that.
And, oh, the warm colors on your last image are tremendous!
Charlie
Charlie Shugart wrote:
Thanks, Jim, for the variety of information, the little picture story and the excellent images.
I've seen pronghorns many times, but never a small young one- maybe it's because they're secreted away in plain sight- and don't move.
I have trouble imagining baby mammals with no smell to them, but I'll take your word on that.
And, oh, the warm colors on your last image are tremendous!
Charlie
Hey Charlie, thanks for the comment - you can't eat what you can't see or smell - that's my story and I'm sticking to it.. ...
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