Habitat use by desert bighorn sheep in Sonora, Mexico

Abstract

The use of habitat components by desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) was examined to explain sexual segregation of sheep in Sierra el Viejo, Sonora, Mexico. We evaluated 265 plots used by bighorns and 278 random plots from April 1997 to December 1998. Groups of segregated males and females preferred the elephant tree (Bursera microphylla)-salvia (Salvia mellifera)-limber bush (Jatropha cuneata) association (ESL) and avoided the foothill palo verde (Cercidium microphyllum)-desert ironwood (Olneya tesota) association (FDI). Segregated females selected the ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)-desert agave (Agave spp.)-hop bush (Dodonoea viscosa) (OAH) vegetation association, formed larger groups, were closer to escape terrain, and occupied more rugged areas during autumn and spring than males. Segregated females selected areas that provided more opportunities to evade predation than did males.