Declining Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep populations are causing alarm across the West. Respiratory diseases may cause up to 90% mortality to bighorn sheep populations after exposure; however, some herds appear to be more resistant than others. New studies suggest that forage quality may improve bighorn sheep survival rates. WRMES has recently received a research grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to examine forage quality across several ranches in southern Colorado.
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WRMES Leading Bighorn Sheep Forage Quality Study
Bighorn sheep populations are declining across the West, often due to respiratory disease with high mortality rates. WRMES received a research grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to explore whether forage quality influences herd survival. The study will assess forage across several ranches in southern Colorado to better understand resistance differences among herds.
