What is history of desert bighorn sheep conservation in Nevada?

Early Conservation Efforts

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) started the desert bighorn sheep conservation program in 1953 with the establishment of the first refuge for the species. The Tonopah Range Refuge in central Nevada provided a safe habitat for the bighorns, protecting them from hunting and human disturbances. By the 1960s, the NDOW had established several more refuges across the state, including the Mount Moriah Range Refuge, which now protects over 30,000 acres of habitat for the desert bighorn sheep.

Habitat Restoration and Management

To ensure the long-term survival of the desert bighorn sheep, the NDOW has been actively involved in habitat restoration and management. Since the 1980s, the agency has implemented a range of techniques, including brush removal, fencing, and water development. The NDOW has also worked with landowners and other stakeholders to protect and restore bighorn habitats on private lands. For example, the agency has helped to install over 100 miles of fencing to prevent domestic livestock from competing with bighorns for food and water.

Current Population and Management

Today, the desert bighorn sheep population in Nevada is estimated to be around 6,000 animals, with populations found throughout the state. The NDOW continues to manage the population through a combination of hunting regulations, habitat management, and research. The agency also works with other organizations, such as the Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, to promote conservation and education efforts. For example, the NDOW has implemented a “Horn-to-Hide” program, which allows hunters to donate their harvested bighorns to the agency for use in educational and conservation programs.