The Economics of Sheep Predation in Southwestern Utah

Abstract

Ten sheep ranches in southwestern Utah were chosen for a verification study ot sheep losses during 1972- 1975. Using the ratio of verified predator kills to total lamb carcasses discovered, total lamb loss to predators was estimated. Predation accounted for 5.8% of total lambs docked or 62% of the total lamb loss. Coyotes made 94% of all predator kills. For the 10 herds (1 Y71- 1974) direct income loss due to lamb predation averaged $2,800 per herd: for a three-herd subsample (197l- 1975) direct income loss averaged \.3,500 per herd. Applying our study rate of predation to the entire Southwest region ot Utah gave an estimate of 14,900 lambs killed by predators and a direct income loss of ‘ii419,OOO. In addition, the region suffered indirect or multiplier losses of $1,166,000 to ‘4 i ,Xi6,000 during the -l years studied. Further data needs in predation economics could be achieved by integrating predation loss, predator population, and predator control data into a standard production function model. Recent profit reductions have resulted in 10% annual decrcascs in Utah’s sheep numbers (Statistical Reporting Service lOY:-,) and have increased the sheepman’s incentive to prevent IiLestock predation losses. Simultaneously, predatorcontrol has become increasingly complex. Early predator control research ~3.4 aimed primarily at discovering methods of eradicating co) otes. the most troublesome predator (Bailey I W-F, 190X). IMore recently. financial relief through economically efficient predator control has come into increased contlict with interests promoting esthetic. recreational, and ecolo#al values associated with a viable predator population. To det’ine the magnitude of the predation problem and to pro\‘ide a data base for an economic analysis, a verit’ication study ofsheep loss was initiated in March I972 in the Cedar-City ;II~‘;I of Utah (Bowns et al. 1973a, 1973b: Davenport et al. I ‘JY’_J ). A study requiring examination of each sheep carcass was \utli~~ 4r’e rc\cxch d~,soc131t‘. Ikpartn~ent ot Range Scwncc. Colorado St~tc U~I~CI