Wild Horses of Outer Banks Take a Stand Against Invasive Plant Menace
In a battle of botanical proportions, the wild horses of North Carolina’s Outer Banks have taken a unique stance against the encroaching threat of an invasive plant.
In a battle of botanical proportions, the wild horses of North Carolina’s Outer Banks have taken a unique stance against the encroaching threat of an invasive plant.
These majestic equines, known for their resilience, have developed a peculiar taste for watermilfoil, an invasive species notorious for forming dense mats over water surfaces.
Picturesque scenes unfold as these horses engage in their peculiar dining ritual, wading into the waters of Carova Beach, delicately plucking mouthfuls of the offending plant.
According to Meg Puckett, manager of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, watermilfoil might not pack a caloric punch, but it’s become a favored snack for the Banker horses, requiring them to consume copious amounts for sustenance.
“Milfoil is a favorite among the Banker horses,” remarked Puckett in an interview with McClatchy News. “It does not have a lot of calories so the horses have to eat a lot of it for it to be actually nutritious.”
While the horses have found an unexpected culinary delight, wildlife experts continue their efforts to curb the spread of watermilfoil, recognizing its potential to disrupt delicate ecosystems.
Believed to have roamed the Outer Banks for centuries, these resilient mustangs have adapted ingenious methods for survival, including specialized foraging techniques and even mastering the art of island-hopping when resources dwindle.
Their diet, which includes a variety of coastal vegetation, has now expanded to include this invasive species, a testament to their ability to thrive in challenging environments.
The presence of watermilfoil in the United States traces back to its introduction as an ornamental aquarium plant in the 1940s. Since then, it has wreaked havoc across the country, earning the notorious title of one of the most problematic aquatic weeds.
“It forms a dense canopy along the surface and shades out the vegetation below,” explains the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. “Water quality is degraded by the senescence of watermilfoil. Recreational activities are hindered. Water intakes get obstructed, and decaying mats can foul lakeside beaches.”
Puckett also highlights the plant’s role as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, compounding the challenges faced by residents and wildlife alike in the Outer Banks.