The Monthly Bighorn Report April 2008

Here we provide brief reports about ongoing studies and current events related to bighorn sheep conservation. Please check back frequently!

Update on Lambing
Last month we reported that there were 17 lambs born so far in the northern Santa Rosa Mountains (NSRM). We are pleased to report there are now at least 24 lambs in this herd, which still includes a set of twins. Lambs range in age from 2 weeks to 2 months. They are very playful and still being kept in steep escape terrain to help ensure their safety.

In the San Jacinto Mountains (SJM) we had only documented 1 lamb born as of March; however, we can now account for at least 9 lambs. Only 4 ewes wear functional radio-collars in the SJM so most of the adult ewe monitoring is done opportunistically. These lambs also range in age from approximately 2 weeks to 2 ½ months.

We will continue to monitor these ewes and lambs and hope to have good survivorship this year.

Update on the Twins
In early March, the Institute documented a set of newborn twins born in the northern Santa Rosa Mountains. The lambs were seen at just 2 days of age and we have been following them closely since twinning is such a rare occurrence in bighorn sheep. We have obtained visuals on the ewe every week to 10 days to confirm that she still has both lambs. The twins are now 2 months old and appear quite healthy and playful. While they have begun allowing more distance between them and their mother as they play with other lambs, they are still very alert to her movements and responsive when she vocalizes for them. We will continue to keep track of this special pair of lambs.

Institute Director Gets Distinguished Alumni Award
Executive Director, Jim DeForge, was honored by Cal Poly Pomona University on April 25th as the College of Science’s Distinguished Alumnus. DeForge received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal Poly in 1975 and 1980, respectively. He was recognized as outstanding for his work as a founding member of the Institute and for the conservation and recovery efforts for the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep. The college praised the work of the Institute highly and stated that they were proud to have an alumnus making such great strides for a species in need.

Yearling Rams Released
On April 26, 2008, the Institute released 2 yearling rams into Bradley Canyon of the northern Santa Rosa Mountains (NSRM). Prior to their release, both rams were health tested, fitted with mortality-sensing radio-collar, and an eartag. Most of the bighorn sheep in the NSRM are currently in Bradley Canyon so we are optimistic that these rams will hook up with wild sheep soon. We will monitor them daily and get visuals on both of them weekly.

 

COPYRIGHT 2008 BIGHORN INSTITUTE

BIGHORN INSTITUTE P.O. BOX 262 PALM DESERT, CA 92261-0262
TELEPHONE  (760)346-7334    FACSIMILE  (760)340-3987
EMAIL BI@BIGHORNINSTITUTE.ORG