Subtypes

By Andrew Barna, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15111914

Ovis canadensis nelsoni

The desert bighorn sheep is a subspecies of bighorn sheep that is native to the deserts of the United States and northwestern Mexico. This species is well adapted to lack of water, able to go for extended periods without drinking water. They are leaner sheep with longer legs and larger ears than other subspecies. Their body temperatures  can safely flucuate several degrees. Moisutre and water is absorbed by the pants they eat and can lose up to 30% of their body weight without facing negative affects. These animals form herds of 8-10 individuals, ocassionally numbering up to 100 individuals with rams and ewes typically living in separate bands during the year. They are light tan to dark brown, typically fading in the winter.

Range: Mojave, Sonoran, Great Basin, Chihuahua Deserts and the Colorado Plateau.

Habitat: Desert

Size: 52-127 kg (115 to 279.74 lb); 150-180 cm (59.06 to 70.87 in)

Life Span: 10-20 years in the wild; up to 20 years in captivity

Feeding: Herbivore

Reproduction: Polygynous. Sexual maturity for females are reached at 2-3 years and males reach sexual maturity at 7 years. Horn size and mass of horns are a symbol of rank with males engaging in battles over mating access for each females. Rutting season occurs in autumn and early winter with births taking place in the spring. Gestation is 150-180 days with one, ocassionally, two lambs born. Lambs are weaned by 4 to 6 months.

Conservation Status: Apparently secure. Adapt readily to captivity.

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Full Classification:

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