Volunteers Needed for Bighorn Sheep Survey

[rlown]

Sheep vs. lion. Obviously a complicated issue. However, I think it comes down to actual numbers and whether it's endangered. The bighorn sheep is definitely endangered -- reduced habitat, threats by disease and, especially in the 90s, critically low numbers (< 200). The mountain lion is not actually endangered and has not been listed as such. Its numbers or habitat are not under immediate threat. A referendum made hunting lions illegal in California, but not because of its population status. A tenuous way to do wildlife management, but there you go... . I think under the sheep program, there's been maybe 4 - 6 predation permits issued to kill lions to protect sheep. That's over the last 10 years or so. So as far as a conflict between two endangered species, that's not the case with sheep and lions.

George

I cross-copied this from the fishing hole, so as to get more visibility. This is for the San Gabriel Mtns..

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Society for Conservation of Bighorn Sheep are seeking individuals to assist biologists on March 3 and 4, 2012 (Saturday evening and all day Sunday).
No survey experience is necessary to participate but volunteers must attend a mandatory orientation on Saturday, March 3, at 6 p.m. at Verdemont Community Center and Library in San Bernardino.
Volunteers will hike to designated observation sites in the San Gabriel Mountains early Sunday morning to count and record bighorn sheep. Volunteer groups will be led by a representative from either DFG, USFS or the Society. Participants must be at least 16 years old and capable of hiking one mile in rugged terrain, although some survey routes are longer. In general, hikes will not be along trails and accessing survey points will involve scrambling over boulders, climbing up steep slopes and/or bush-whacking through chaparral.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring binoculars or spotting scopes in addition to hiking gear. Mountain weather can be unpredictable and participants should be prepared to spend several hours hiking and additional time making observations in cold and windy weather. Volunteers will need to start hiking early Sunday morning.
For volunteers who wish to camp, complimentary campsites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Applewhite Campground in Lytle Creek on the night of March 3, 2012.
Surveys for bighorn sheep in the San Gabriel range have been conducted annually since 1979. The mountain range once held an estimated 740 sheep, which made the San Gabriel population the largest population of desert bighorn sheep in California. The bighorn population declined more than 80 percent through the 1980s but appears to be on the increase with recent estimates yielding approximately 400 animals.
Please sign up online at http://www.sangabrielbighorn.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ( http://www.sangabrielbighorn.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ). If you do not have access to the Internet, you may call either (626) 574-5287 or (909) 382-2870 to have a volunteer packet mailed to you.
Media Contacts:
Andrew Hughan, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8944
John Miller, USFS Communications, (909) 382-2788

Full story at: http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2012/02/0 ... ep-survey/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;