Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: New Mexico
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Responses by large herbivores to human disturbance can result in a change in their habitat use, movements, and increased vigilance and decreased foraging time. Increased movements and reduced foraging time result in higher energetic costs and lower energetic gains, potentially decreasing fitness. The goal of this project is to determine potential impacts of increasing recreational activities on desert bighorn sheep in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, Colorado and develop management recommendations as appropriate to mitigate negative effects of recreation on desert bighorn sheep herds. Partners on this project include Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, Wild Sheep Foundation, Desert Bighorn Council, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society. Data analysis on behavioral responses and changes in habitat selection associated with recreational activities will allow CPW and BLM to develop management plans to mitigate negative effects of recreation on desert bighorn sheep herds.