Bighorn sheep are nature’s ultimate rock climbers, with specialized split hooves and rough foot pads. They can scale 60-degree inclines and jump nearly 20 feet between ledges – feats that would make even the most seasoned human mountaineers envious.
Their resilience doesn't stop at their climbing prowess. Bighorn sheep have evolved a complex, multi-chambered stomach that allows them to extract moisture and nutrients from the desert's sparse vegetation. This remarkable adaptation enables them to go without water for days or even weeks.
Sadly, these marvels of evolution face a precarious future. Once numbering in the millions across the American Southwest, the population of desert bighorn sheep has plummeted by over 90% since the early 1900s. Bighorn sheep in Anza-Borrego have distinct seasonal behaviors. During fall mating season, rams seek out ewes, making them less cautious around humans.
More... https://www.desertusa.com/bighorn/bighorn-sheep.html
bighorn sheep
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Vervecine
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Re: bighorn sheep
Wow, I didn’t realize how impressive bighorn sheep really are! It’s amazing how they’ve adapted to the desert environment with those specialized hooves and the ability to go without water for so long. It must be incredible to see them in action, especially during mating season when the rams are more visible.
It’s really sad to hear about their population decline, though. I’ve always thought of the desert as such a tough place for survival, but it sounds like these sheep were once thriving. I hope the conservation efforts in places like Anza-Borrego are making a difference. It would be great if their numbers could start to bounce back, especially with how unique and resilient they are. Does anyone know what the biggest threats are to their survival now?
It’s really sad to hear about their population decline, though. I’ve always thought of the desert as such a tough place for survival, but it sounds like these sheep were once thriving. I hope the conservation efforts in places like Anza-Borrego are making a difference. It would be great if their numbers could start to bounce back, especially with how unique and resilient they are. Does anyone know what the biggest threats are to their survival now?