Digital-Desert : Mojave Desert |
Intro:: Nature:: Map:: Parks:: Points of Interest:: Ghosts & Gold:: Communities:: Roads & Trails:: People & History:: BLOG:: Weather:: :?:: glossary |
-- |
Mammal
Bighorn SheepOvis canadensisFamily: Bovidae Order: Artiodactyla Class: Mammalia Distribution and SubspeciesBighorn sheep are relatively rare in California, and three subspecies are represented:California Bighorn Sheep (O. c. californiana): Inhabit the southern Sierra Nevada; herds, such as the Mt. Baxter and Mt. Williamson groups, are used for reintroduction stock in other locations. Peninsular Bighorn Sheep (O. c. cremnobates): Occur in the Peninsular Ranges, from Riverside County south into Mexico. Nelson Bighorn Sheep (O. c. nelsoni): Desert bighorns inhabit desert mountain ranges from Mono County to the Mexican border, including isolated populations in the San Gabriel Mountains. HabitatsThey can be found in these diverse habitats:Specific Habitat NeedsFeedingBighorn sheep graze on grasses, forbs, and browse, especially in arid habitats. Mineral licks may be crucial for nutrition for some populations. CoverSteep, rocky terrain provides cover from predators and is used as a bedding area.ReproductionLambing occurs on steep slopes and in canyons to reduce predation.WaterIn arid environments, water sources, such as springs, depressions, or man-made structures, are critical.Seasonal MovementsDesert bighorns move between summer mountain areas and winter canyon areas, staying close to water when it is hot.Home RangeTheir ranges include summer and winter homes and the paths between them. Desert sheep usually have smaller ranges in summer because they need water.ReproductionThreats and Conservation StatusDiseaseHighly susceptible to diseases such as pneumonia, frequently brought in by domestic livestock, which can decimate populations. Competition Feral ungulates and domestic livestock compete with bighorns for water and forage, risking bighorn survival. Predation Small populations, especially new transplants, are vulnerable to predation. Habitat Loss Loss of critical habitats, such as feeding, lambing, or escape terrain, would seriously jeopardize the stability of a population. By knowing these needs and threats, conservation can be more specifically designed to assist bighorn sheep populations better. Archive |
Bighorn Sheep Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis) are beautiful and majestic creatures, with rams having large brown horns curling around, under and forward. They are typically found in the higher elevations near water sources or rocky cliff areas. They eat grasses and other plants. Bighorn Sheep have hooves adapted to steep, rocky terrain and use their climbing abilities to escape predators. More about Bighorn SheepWeight: 115-280 lbs.Length with tail: 50-62" Shoulder Height: 32-40" Sexual Maturity: 2 years Mating Season: Nov.-Dec. Gestation Period: 180 days No. of Young: 1-2 Birth Interval: 1 year Lifespan: Bighorns can live 10 to 15 years Typical diet: mainly grasses, sedges and forbs.
|
Intro:: Nature:: Map:: Parks:: Points of Interest:: Ghosts & Gold:: Communities:: Roads & Trails:: People & History:: BLOG:: Weather:: :?:: glossary |
Country Life Realty Wrightwood, Ca. |
Mountain Hardware Wrightwood, Ca. |
Canyon Cartography |
DesertLink Links to Desert Museums |
Grizzly Cafe Family Dining |
Abraxas Engineering privacy |
These items are historical in scope and are intended for educational purposes only; they are not meant as an aid for travel planning. Copyright ©Walter Feller. 1995-2024 - All rights reserved. |