Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and life cycle of the bighorn sheep. Includes photo diagram.

Mountain sheep epitomize wilderness for many people because they occupy some of the most inaccessible and rugged habitats known to man, from desert crags to alpine mountains. But of all hoofed mammals in North America, wild sheep present the greatest management problems to biologists. This book is a major reference on the natural history, ecology, and management of wild sheep in North America. Written by wildlife biologists who have devoted years of study to the animals, it covers Dall's and Stone's sheep and Rocky Mountain, California, and desert bighorn and examines a variety of factors pertinent to their life histories: habitat, diet, activity, social organization, reproduction, and population dynamics. Additional chapters consider distribution and abundance, adaptive strategies, and management guidelines. Discussions on diseases of wild sheep present a wealth of information that will be of particular use to wildlife biologists, including detailed clinical descriptions of conditions that threaten sheep populations, from pasteurellosis to capture myopathy. An appendix reviews the cytogenetics and genetics of wild sheep. North American wild sheep may face extinction in many areas unless critical questions concerning their management are answered soon. Prior to the publication of this book, there was no single reference available in which one could find such a synthesis of information. Mountain Sheep of North America provides that source and points toward the preservation of these magnificent wild creatures. Contents 1. Description, Distribution, and Abundance of Mountain Sheep in North America, Raul Valdez and Paul R. Krausman 2. Natural History of Thinhorn Sheep, Lyman Nichols and Fred L. Bunnell 3. Natural History of Rocky Mountain and California Bighorn Sheep, David M. Shackleton, Christopher C. Shank, and Brian M. Wikeem 4. Natural History of Desert Bighorn Sheep, Paul R. Krausman, Andrew V. Sandoval, and Richard C. Etchberger 5. Adaptive Strategies in American Mountain Sheep: Effects of Climate, Latitude and Altitude, Ice Age Evolution, and Neonatal Security, Valerius Geist 6. Diseases of North American Wild Sheep, Thomas D. Bunch, Walter M. Boyce, Charles P. Hibler, William R. Lance, Terry R. Spraker, and Elizabeth S. Williams 7. Management of Bighorn Sheep, Charles L. Douglas and David M. Leslie Jr. Appendix: Cytogenetics and Genetics, Thomas D. Bunch, Robert S. Hoffmann, and Charles F. Nadler

From padded split hooves made to scale rocky terrain to reflective fur, bighorn sheep have what it takes to survive in the desert! These tough animals survive even the driest of desert days through their physiological and behavioral adaptations. Early readers will find easy-to-follow text, striking photos, and several special features in this title on bighorn sheep!

A comprehensive photographic work of the desrt bighorn sheep with over two hundred photographs depicting their circle of life.

Introduces bighorn sheep to beginning readers, including information about their young, eating habits, and behavior.

These heavy mammals carry up to 30-pound horns on their heads. Even the bones in their bodies do not weigh that much! Climb through the mountains with these agile animals in this informative title.