Associated Press - October 7, 2009 8:04 AM ET

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - The Bureau of Land Management in southwestern Idaho plans to round up 234 wild horses this week in Gem, Payette, Washington and Owyhee counties.

Efforts to gather these horses from Idaho's sage-covered desert and foothills country near the Snake River start Wednesday.

It's all aimed at reducing wild horse numbers to sustain healthy horse herds, improve rangeland resources and protect endangered or sensitive species habitat.

For instance, the Sand Basin Herd Management Area about 10 miles southwest of Marsing, which includes 11,715 acres managed by the BLM Owyhee Field Office, shouldn't have more than 64 horses.

Right now, however, the BLM says there are currently an estimated 132 animals - too many for their own good.

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