Sheep shape: Investigating the influence of seasonal nutrition on Stone’s sheep body condition

Stone’s sheep are a genetically distinct subspecies of thinhorn sheep which exist almost entirely in British Columbia (BC), giving BC a global responsibility to manage this unique species. Ungulate nutrition has a direct influence on population dynamics and behaviour, and forage availability and quality in late summer and early fall are increasingly considered key to over-winter survival. However, late winter peaks in mortality consistently linked to poor body condition often led to habitat enhancement activities on seasonal winter ranges to improve survival. The goal of this project is to investigate the influence of nutrition on body condition in Stone’s sheep in the Finlay Russell ranges by providing information on forage quality and quantity on summer and winter ranges. This information, when paired with fine scale body condition data, will lead to an improved understanding of the role of nutrition and its limitations for Stone’s sheep. Our goal is to provide a greater depth of knowledge for implementing habitat enhancement actions in ranges where seasonal range quality or body condition is limiting. Providing meaningful habitat management recommendations in turn would increase the viability and conservation of this unique species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Adam Ford

Student:

Partner:

BC Wildlife Federation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration)

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: