Abstract

Can GIS Models Predict Habitat Use of Reintroduced Bighorn Sheep?
Track: Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management
Author(s): Justin Shannon, Jericho Whiting, Steven Petersen, Daniel Olson, Jerran Flinders

Habitat-use models for wildlife reintroductions are important management tools. Such predictive models can save managers time and money by ensuring animals are released into suitable habitats. We tested predictive winter and lambing habitat-use models constructed by Whiting et al. (2004) for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) on Mount Nebo, Utah. We used ArcGIS 9.2 to determine the number of bighorn sightings within predicted habitats. Additionally, we documented which variables were violated for bighorn sightings outside of modeled habitats. Our results showed that bighorns used predicted slopes, elevations, and vegetation cover types only 40% to 60% of the time during both seasons. Furthermore, only 14% of winter sightings (n = 70) and 18% of lambing sightings (n = 55) were within habitats predicted by Whiting et al. (2004). Finally, we offer suggestions to improve both models, which will aid in the restoration and conservation of bighorns in Utah.

Justin Shannon
Brigham Young University
2400 N 1200 W
Lehi , Utah 84043
United States
Phone: 801-369-1672
E-mail: jshannon@byu.net

Jericho Whiting
Idaho State University
921 S 8th Avenue
Stop 80007
Pocatello , Idaho 83209
United States
Phone: 801-602-3598
E-mail: whitjeri@isu.edu

Steven Petersen
Brigham Young University
487 WIDB
Prove , Utah 84062
United States
Phone: 801-422-4885
E-mail: steven_petersen@byu.edu

Daniel Olson
Brigham Young University
448 WIDB
Provo , Utah 84062
United States
Phone: 801-718-3884
E-mail: dolson22@gmail.com

Jerran Flinders
Brigham Young University
407 WIDB
Provo , Utah 84602
United States
Phone: 801-422-2322
E-mail: jerran_flinders@byu.edu