| Now considered one of three subspecies, these are the Desert
Bighorn Sheep, found in hot, desert ecosystems throughout the
Southwestern U.S. and Northwestern Mexico. Named for their
large, curved horns, females (ewes) also have horns, which
are shorter and less curved. 200 years ago the population of
Bighorns was estimated to be 150,000 to 200,000. In 1936 the
entire Arizona population was estimated to be fewer than 150.
Unregulated hunting, diseases from domestic sheep, overgrazing,
and habitat destruction all contributed to their decline. In
the 1940s conservation efforts by state and federal agencies
commenced, these have been partially successful. The Bighorns
are still absent from much of their original range. They graze
on grasses and browse on shrubs. They have a six month
gestation period, one or sometimes two lambs are born in May.
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