California Bighorn Sheep are a unique species which are considered at risk. It is important to continuously work on habitat management programs to ensure healthy populations and contribute to wildlife conservation.
50% of lambs and 20% of yearlings die from starvation, predation (particularly from cougar, wolf and coyote), accident and disease each year. Bighorn sheep frequently contract pneumonia from domestic sheep. While its relatively harmless for domestic sheep, it can be fatal to California Bighorn sheep, mostly lambs and older sheep.
Our yearly lamb counts provide great insights into population numbers and help us to shape conservation efforts. We record the location, age and sex of all sheep that we see to build up detailed records of the sheep herds to assess annual herd recruitment and assess if lamb death is more likely a cause of predation, disease or due to other reasons. These insights actively contribute to the development of wildlife management practices that help maintain Bighorn sheep populations at a sustainable herd size.
Do you want to contribute? Learn more about our conservation trips that you can join.
Gain FREE access to our Nature Conservation Course today!
All of our programs and courses with our training partner the Wilderness Training Academy are self-directed providing you with information, inspiration and self-reflection prompts for you to put into action. Are you ready to gain free access to your Nature Conservation course?
You will learn:
- about the flora, fauna and landscapes of the Chilcotin Ark
- the fundamentals of wildlife tracking and observation
- practical skills and knowledge to make your contribution to conservation