Subspecies of bighorn sheep adapted to desert habitats. Smaller and lighter colored than Rocky Mountain bighorn.

Also called: Desert Bighorn Sheep

Native status: Native to southwestern US deserts; vulnerable

§ Quick facts

SizeShoulder height 80–105 cm
WeightRams 60–110 kg; ewes 35–65 kg
LifespanWild 8–12 years
OrderArtiodactyla
FamilyBovidae

§ Encyclopedia

The bighorn sheep or bighorn is a species of sheep native to North America. It is named for its large horns. A pair of horns may weigh up to 14 kg (30 lb); the sheep typically weigh up to 143 kg (315 lb). Recent genetic testing indicates three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: O. c. sierrae.

Source: Wikipedia — Bighorn sheep Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Smaller, paler bighorn sheep with massive curling horns in rams.

Similar species. Rocky Mountain Bighorn (larger; darker). Dall Sheep (white). Mountain Goat (different horns).

Voice. Bleats; ram horn-clashes during rut.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Desert grasses, forbs, shrubs; gets most water from food.

Behavior. Desert subspecies of bighorn sheep. Adapted to extreme desert heat; can go for weeks without drinking. Threatened by disease transmission from domestic sheep and habitat fragmentation.

§ Range

Southwestern US deserts

§ Habitat

Desert mountain ranges

§ Threats

Disease from domestic sheep, habitat fragmentation, drought.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the bighorn sheep (desert subspecies) is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support desert bighorn recovery. Maintain wildlife corridors.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Desert Bighorn Council
  • USFWS Mountain-Prairie Region
  • IUCN Red List 2020