Canadian island ravaged by wild horses.

Biologists believe that the horses on Sable Island are destroying rare biodiversity on the island off the coast of Nova Scotia.

The horses were brought to Sable Island by a merchant in the 18th century. Photo: Wirestock — The horses were brought to Sable Island by a merchant in the 18th century. Photo: *Wirestock*

On a thin, crescent-shaped strip of land off the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, hundreds of horses roam freely, galloping along the undulating sand dunes, their chestnut coats standing out against the white sand and blue sea, according to The Guardian .

Each year, the Sable Island Institute sends volunteers to count the number of horses that have died over a two-week period and submits the data to Parks Canada. The number of horses has skyrocketed from 250 in 1961 to a record 591 last year. Biologists fear the horses are destroying the island's rare biodiversity.

"From an animal welfare perspective, they live out of suitable environments and are severely affected. The death rate among horses each year is very high. They also suffer from many diseases or lack access to shelter, clean drinking water, and proper food. It's a neglected animal population under immense pressure," said Ian Jones, a professor of biology at Memorial University in Newfoundland.

Sable Island, only 31 square kilometers in size, is famous for its rugged terrain and harsh conditions. The sprawling sandbars, dense fog, and strong tides surrounding the island have sunk more than 350 ships since the late 16th century. According to experts, horses were brought to the island in the 1700s by a Boston merchant along with pigs, sheep, and cattle. Despite the harsh environment, they survived the longest, thriving on grass and freshwater ponds.

Over the past few decades, the horse population has slowly increased. Their isolated habitat means they are more genetically differentiated than other populations. The horses also have very little contact with humans, making them an interesting subject for researchers.

In the 1950s, the Canadian government planned to relocate the horses to work in coal mines or for slaughter. A public campaign drew community attention to the horses. The then- Prime Minister of Canada, John Diefenbaker, amended the law and directed that horses be fully protected.

Parks Canada is considering classifying the horses as a naturalized species because they have been on the island long enough to become part of the ecosystem.

An Khang (According to The Guardian )

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