A major milestone has been reached in the reintroduction of federally-endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae). They are now occupying the Great Western Divide for the first time in over 100 years due to recent efforts by state and federal agencies. Over a four-day period in mid-March, a total of ten ewes (females) and four rams (males) were translocated from land in the Inyo National Forest to the Big Arroyo area of Sequoia National Park by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in cooperation with the National Park Service (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks), U.S. Forest Service (Inyo National Forest), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
This major milestone in the recovery of this endangered species was attained through helicopter-supported capture of bighorn sheep in wilderness areas of the Inyo National Forest. CDFW staff and volunteers, including veterinarians and biologists, as well as several staff from other agencies, were present to assess each animal's health and ensure their safety throughout the entire process. Each animal was fitted with a radio collar and a GPS collar in order to track movements and survival.
This work was part of ongoing efforts to monitor the status of other radio-collared bighorn sheep that use the parks, to study bighorn sheep habitat use, and to evaluate the impacts of wilderness recreational activities on the sheep and their habitat. Following this recent effort, there are now 11 herds of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep between Owens Lake and Mono Lake, including areas outside of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Two additional herds are needed to meet recovery goals – one at Taboose Creek, which overlaps the eastern boundary of Kings Canyon National Park, and the other at Laurel Creek, which is almost completely within Sequoia National Park.
The Moon is Waxing Gibbous (90% of Full)
Re: Milestone Reached In Bighorn Sheep Reintroduction
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April 15, 2014 04:49PM |
April 16, 2014 12:52PM |
Quote
eeek
CDFW staff and volunteers, including veterinarians and biologists, as well as several staff from other agencies, were present to assess each animal's health and ensure their safety throughout the entire process. Each animal was fitted with a radio collar and a GPS collar
But clearly they didn't receive legal representation, else we wouldn't be treating them like paroled felons.
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