The variables of physical habitat selection by the desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis weemsi) in the Sierra del Mechudo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
S. Alvarez-cardenas et al., The variables of physical habitat selection by the desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis weemsi) in the Sierra del Mechudo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, J ARID ENV, 49(2), 2001, pp. 357-374
Selection of physical habitat variables by desert bighorn sheep Ovis canade
nsis weemsi in the Sierra del Mechudo, Baja California Sur is analysed. Sea
sonal differences among sex and age classes were found. Sheep are mainly in
mountain slopes and canyon slopes ( > 80%) with SE and N orientation, chan
ging along the day and season. The elevation is 100-400 m a.s.l. and the di
stance to escape terrain < 200 m. Segregation of rams occurs outside the ru
t, with ram selecting different habitat variables during lambing, winter an
d spring. The prefered waterholes are near escape terrain with poor vegetal
cover and good visibility. (C) 2001 Academic Press.