The Peninsular Big Horned

Sheep
Ovis canadensis nelsoni
Q & A
What do you already know about Bighorn
Sheep & how does the environment around
them affect how they live?
The Endangered Species
255 last year, 329 this year
Recovery Region
estimated Adult
Population
1998 2006 2008 2010
San Jacinto Mountains
23 21 26 16
North Santa Rosa
Mountains
22 49 77 90
AND MORE
... ... ... ...
TOTAL
335 793 876 955*
About the Bighorn
All across the country
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep -
Southern California &
Mexico
Niche - A position or role taking place by an organism
Affected by:
Pneumonia, livestock, water restrictions
Also - bad weather & predators
What they eat:
Shrubbery, water, flowers, & grass
Levels of Order
Different foods depending on season
Mating Season: November & December
Lamb stays with mother: 1st year
Within the Herd
Females (ewes) - herds of 5 to 15
Males (rams) - bands of 2 to 5
Have great eyesight
Can run up to 30 mph
15 mph up rocky slopes
Predators
Coyotes
Gray foxes
Bobcats
Mountain lions
Eagles feed on lambs
Human hunters
Functions In Relation to Other Living Organisms
Main weapon: Horns
Hind Legs = Attraction & Dominance
Travel over mountains from New Mexico
Nutrients: Grass, seeds, & plants
Males horns: Bigger than females horns
Examining Bighorns
Their tissue is very strong
The horns are actually an organism
The population is going down
because loss of water sources and being
hunted too much.
Survival & Adaptation
Extreme conditions in rocky desert
Diet changes to fit seasons
Fits into other animal groups
Changes habitat depending on season
Fast, good at avoiding predators
Pacific SouthWest Region
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Tries to promote rich biodiversity
Fastest growing communities in the nation
Conservation: Fish, wildlife, & plant resources
Surviving With What We Know
Protect habitat: no building, save water
Keep livestock away from sheep
Control hunting
Transplant species to healthy areas
Leave healthy, populated areas alone
In Conclusion
Smallest action = positive or negative effects
Anything you do (or dont do) has a lasting impact
What You Can Do:
Spread the word!
Conserve water!
Be cautious - off road activities (in Desert/ Mountains)
In the white squares, draw a picture from the word
bank to build the perfect habitat for a Peninsular
Bighorn Sheep. Think of what might help them to
survive, thrive, and how to avoid threats and dangers.
- Activity Directions -
Images of Word Bank Options
Shooting Range Wild Flowers A Parking Lot Climbing Rocks
A Bobcat Reserve
Sage (an herb) Tall Grass
Word Bank Options cont.
Water Reeds Statue of a Bighorn
Other Choices:
- A Pond
- A Powerplant
- A Toy Store