Response of bighorn sheep to clear-cut logging and prescribed burning
Wildlife Society Bulletin
By: T. S. Smith, P.J. Hardin, and J.T. Flinders
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Abstract
Prescribed burning and timber harvesting have been used to restore and maintain Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (avis canadensis) ranges. Intensive study of a bighorn sheep herd in northeastern Utah indicated a need for range improvements. To evaluate the effectiveness of clear-cut logging and prescribed burning, we documented sheep responses to these treatments. Although bighorn sheep exhibited strong fidelity to pre-treatment areas (P>0.05), they significantly altered use patterns to include logged and burned areas (P<0.001). Treated habitats experienced 148% increases in bighorn sheep activity, whereas use in untreated areas declined by 45%. Bighorn sheep responded more favorably to logged units than to burned areas. We conclude that carefully planned clear-cut logging and range burning may be effective to enhance and expand bighorn sheep populations.
Suggested Citation
Smith, T.S., Hardin, P., and Flinders, J., 1999, Response of bighorn sheep to clear-cut logging and prescribed burning: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 27, no. 3, p. 840-845.
ISSN: 1938-5463 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Response of bighorn sheep to clear-cut logging and prescribed burning |
| Series title | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 1999 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| First page | 840 |
| Last page | 845 |