Comparison of Population Characteristics, Genetics, Habitat Use, and Response to Burning of an Established and a Colonizing Herd of Bighorn Sheep (Draft Work Plan)
Singer F and Beskin B. 1992. Comparison of Population Characteristics, Genetics, Habitat Use, and Response to Burning of an Established and a Colonizing Herd of Bighorn Sheep (Draft Work Plan)
The purpose of this investigation is to compare the genetics, home range size, movements, and habitat use patterns of bighorns in the established north unit and the colonizing population in the south unit. Experimental burning will be conducted in the north unit to see if bighorns will exploit the burn, expanding their range, and to see if fecal lungworm rates can be lowered. This investigation will also address all of the management needs for bighorns which include: (1) Determining if bighorns are using any critical natural or rehabilitated water sources. Determining the extent of co-use of water sources by bighorns and bison. (2) Determining through radiotelemetry studies if bighorns are contacting any domestic livestock along the fence or any trespass livestock that penetrate the fence. (3) Applying the habitat model in both units to see if any high quality seasonal or lambing habitat exists that could be occupied after development of a water source. Applying the model to see if any apparently suitable habitat remains unoccupied. Applying the badlands habitat model in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Slim Buttes area of South Dakota where bighorn restoration is being considered.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Singer, Frances; Beskin, Bruce
- Date of Issue
- 1992-03-11
- Units
- BADL
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Bighorn Sheep, FIRE, Genetics, Habitat, habitat model, Mammals, Management, Monitoring, Vertebrates, Wildlife Management