Translocation techniques for mountain sheep: Does the method matter?

Capture and translocation of mountain sheep is an expensive and complex pro cess. During 1989 to 1990, we evaluated 2 methods of translocating mountain sheep (Ovis canadensis): 1) transport via helicopter followed by retention in a holding pen prior to release, and 2) direct release from a vehicle im mediately following ground transport. We compared group dispersal and cohes ion, and survival of groups of animals translocated concurrently to the Chu ckwalla Mountains, California using each technique. Both groups developed s imilar measures of group dispersal and cohesion by the fourth month followi ng translocation. Seventy percent of animals released directly from the tru ck and 30% of animals released from the holding pen survived greater than o r equal to 12 months. Behavior of animals was not impacted by additional ha ndling and aerial transport associated with the holding pen. Nevertheless, increased handling times and greater exposure to helicopter noise endured b y the penned animals may have affected survivorship. No apparent advantages were gained by animals held in the pen prior to release, and this techniqu e may have exacerbated mortality.