Misplaced Pages

Desert bighorn sheep

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
#571428

53-584: The desert bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis nelsoni ) is a subspecies of bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis ) that is native to the deserts of the United States' intermountain west and southwestern regions, as well as northwestern Mexico . The Bureau of Land Management considered the subspecies "sensitive" to extinction . The trinomial of this species commemorates the American naturalist Edward William Nelson (1855–1934). The characteristics and behavior of

106-610: A 15 and 25% loss of body water. Mild dehydration usually resolves with oral rehydration , but severe cases may need intravenous fluids. Dehydration can cause hypernatremia (high levels of sodium ions in the blood). This is distinct from hypovolemia (loss of blood volume , particularly blood plasma ). Chronic dehydration can cause kidney stones as well as the development of chronic kidney disease . The hallmarks of dehydration include thirst and neurological changes such as headaches , general discomfort , loss of appetite , nausea , decreased urine volume (unless polyuria

159-462: A conservation organization for auction purposes. Most of these funds go back to the conservation of the bighorn sheep. In 2020, three Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees died in a helicopter accident working on desert bighorn sheep conservation. In 2023 the desert bighorn was featured on a United States Postal Service Forever stamp as part of the Endangered Species set, based on

212-421: A dehydrated state is accomplished by the replenishment of necessary water and electrolytes (through oral rehydration therapy , or fluid replacement by intravenous therapy ). As oral rehydration is less painful, non-invasive, inexpensive, and easier to provide, it is the treatment of choice for mild dehydration. Solutions used for intravenous rehydration may be isotonic , hypertonic , or hypotonic depending on

265-440: A desert bighorn sheep is mainly grasses . When grasses are unavailable, they turn to other food sources, such as sedges , forbs , or cacti. The desert bighorn has become well adapted to living in the desert heat and cold and, unlike most mammals, their body temperature can safely fluctuate several degrees. During the heat of the day, they often rest in the shade of trees and caves. Southern desert bighorn sheep are adapted to

318-425: A desert mountain environment with little or no permanent water. Some may go without visiting water for weeks or months, sustaining their body moisture from food and from rainwater collected in temporary rock pools. They may have the ability to lose up to 30% of their body weight and still survive. After drinking water, they quickly recover from their dehydrated condition. Wildlife ecologists are just beginning to study

371-654: A photograph from Joel Sartore 's Photo Ark . The stamp was dedicated at a ceremony at the National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall, South Dakota . Subspecies In biological classification , subspecies ( pl. : subspecies) is a rank below species , used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics ( morphology ), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species have subspecies, but for those that do there must be at least two. Subspecies

424-511: A separate description is warranted. These distinct groups do not interbreed as they are isolated from another, but they can interbreed and have fertile offspring, e.g. in captivity. These subspecies, races, or populations, are usually described and named by zoologists, botanists and microbiologists. In a monotypic species, all populations exhibit the same genetic and phenotypical characteristics. Monotypic species can occur in several ways: Dehydration In physiology, dehydration

477-486: A side effect from many different types of drugs and medications. In the elderly, blunted response to thirst or inadequate ability to access free water in the face of excess free water losses (especially hyperglycemia related) seem to be the main causes of dehydration. Excess free water or hypotonic water can leave the body in two ways – sensible loss such as osmotic diuresis , sweating , vomiting and diarrhea , and insensible water loss, occurring mainly through

530-475: A species is a binomial or binomen, and comprises two Latin words, the first denoting the genus and the second denoting the species. The scientific name of a subspecies is formed slightly differently in the different nomenclature codes. In zoology, under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), the scientific name of a subspecies is termed a trinomen , and comprises three words, namely

583-426: A species. Botanists and mycologists have the choice of ranks lower than subspecies, such as variety (varietas) or form (forma), to recognize smaller differences between populations. In biological terms, rather than in relation to nomenclature, a polytypic species has two or more genetically and phenotypically divergent subspecies, races , or more generally speaking, populations that differ from each other so that

SECTION 10

#1732852473572

636-417: A subspecies. A common criterion for recognizing two distinct populations as subspecies rather than full species is the ability of them to interbreed even if some male offspring may be sterile. In the wild, subspecies do not interbreed due to geographic isolation or sexual selection . The differences between subspecies are usually less distinct than the differences between species. The scientific name of

689-631: Is a lack of total body water that disrupts metabolic processes . It occurs when free water loss exceeds free water intake. This is usually due to excessive sweating, disease, or a lack of access to water. Mild dehydration can also be caused by immersion diuresis , which may increase risk of decompression sickness in divers . Most people can tolerate a 3-4% decrease in total body water without difficulty or adverse health effects. A 5-8% decrease can cause fatigue and dizziness . Loss of over 10% of total body water can cause physical and mental deterioration, accompanied by severe thirst . Death occurs with

742-464: Is a subspecies or a full species, the species name may be written in parentheses. Thus Larus (argentatus) smithsonianus means the American herring gull ; the notation within the parentheses means that some consider it a subspecies of a larger herring gull species and therefore call it Larus argentatus smithsonianus , while others consider it a full species and therefore call it Larus smithsonianus (and

795-712: Is abbreviated as subsp. or ssp. and the singular and plural forms are the same ("the subspecies is" or "the subspecies are"). In zoology , under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature , the subspecies is the only taxonomic rank below that of species that can receive a name. In botany and mycology , under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants , other infraspecific ranks , such as variety , may be named. In bacteriology and virology , under standard bacterial nomenclature and virus nomenclature , there are recommendations but not strict requirements for recognizing other important infraspecific ranks. A taxonomist decides whether to recognize

848-497: Is contained within the cells. This consists of approximately 40% of the total body water. Fluid inside the cells has high concentrations of potassium, magnesium, phosphate, and proteins. Extracellular fluid consists of all fluid outside of the cells, and it includes blood and interstitial fluid. This makes up approximately 60% of the total body water. The most common ions in extracellular fluid include sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate. The concentration of dissolved molecules and ions in

901-676: Is required. Fluids containing a proper balance of replacement electrolytes are given orally or intravenously with continuing assessment of electrolyte status; complete resolution is normal in all but the most extreme cases. The prognosis for dehydration depends on the cause and extent of dehydration. Mild dehydration normally resolves with oral hydration. Chronic dehydration, such as from physically demanding jobs or decreased thirst, can lead to chronic kidney disease . Elderly people with dehydration are at higher risk of confusion, urinary tract infections , falls, and even delayed wound healing. In children with mild to moderate dehydration, oral hydration

954-515: Is the cause of dehydration), confusion , unexplained tiredness , purple fingernails, and seizures . The symptoms of dehydration become increasingly severe with greater total body water loss. A body water loss of 1-2%, considered mild dehydration, is shown to impair cognitive performance. While in people over age 50, the body's thirst sensation diminishes with age, a study found that there was no difference in fluid intake between young and old people. Many older people have symptoms of dehydration, with

1007-422: Is typically seen in dehydration due to free water loss. A urinalysis, which is a test that performs chemical and microscopic analysis of urine, may find darker color or foul odor with severe dehydration. Urinary sodium also provides information about the type of dehydration. For hyponatremic dehydration, such as from vomiting or diarrhea, urinary sodium will be less than 10mmol/L due to increased sodium retention by

1060-687: The Arizona Boy Scouts , President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation to establish two desert areas in southwestern Arizona to help preserve the desert bighorn sheep: Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge . In 1941, the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico was added. Desert bighorn sheep populations have trended upward since the 1960s. The upward trend

1113-507: The Colorado Plateau . Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , Joshua Tree National Park , Death Valley National Park , Kofa National Wildlife Refuge , Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge , Zion National Park , Capitol Reef , and Mojave National Preserve all offer protected habitat for them. The subspecies is considered extirpated from Oregon . Populations of the desert bighorn sheep declined drastically with European colonization of

SECTION 20

#1732852473572

1166-744: The US Fish and Wildlife Service to propose a reduction in protected sheep habitat by more than 50%, from 844,897 to 384,410 acres (3,419.18 to 1,555.65 km). In southern Texas, desert bighorn sheep conservation began in 1973 with the release of seven captive-bred sheep in the Sierra Diablo Mountains . Captive-bred sheep were periodically released in this area until 1997. The Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area herd began with 20 sheep total in 1987. The Elephant Mountain population has increased substantially, and this population has been

1219-429: The skin and respiratory tract . In humans, dehydration can be caused by a wide range of diseases and states that impair water homeostasis in the body. These occur primarily through either impaired thirst/water access or sodium excess. Water makes up approximately 60% of the human body by mass. Within the body, water is classified as intracellular fluid or extracellular fluid. Intracellular fluid refers to water that

1272-615: The American Southwest beginning in the 16th century. These declines were followed by a period of population stabilization ascribed to conservation measures. As of 2004, desert bighorn sheep numbers remained extremely low, although the overall population trend had increased since 1960. Desert bighorn sheep are stocky, heavy-bodied sheep , similar in size to mule deer . Weights of mature rams range from 115 to 280 pounds (52 to 127 kg), while ewes are somewhat smaller. Due to their unique concave elastic hooves, bighorn are able to climb

1325-456: The base. The ewes' horns are much smaller and lighter and do not tend to curl. After eight years of growth, the horns of an adult ram may weigh more than 30 pounds. Annual growth rings indicate the animal's age. The rams may rub their own horns to improve their field of view. Both rams and ewes use their horns as tools to break open cactus, which they consume, and for fighting. Desert bighorn sheep typically live for 10–20 years. The typical diet of

1378-449: The binomen followed by the name of the subspecies. For example, the binomen for the leopard is Panthera pardus . The trinomen Panthera pardus fusca denotes a subspecies, the Indian leopard . All components of the trinomen are written in italics. In botany , subspecies is one of many ranks below that of species, such as variety , subvariety , form , and subform. To identify the rank,

1431-411: The cause of dehydration as well as the sodium concentration in the blood. Pure water injected into the veins will cause the breakdown ( lysis ) of red blood cells ( erythrocytes ). When fresh water is unavailable (e.g. at sea or in a desert), seawater or drinks with significant alcohol concentration will worsen dehydration. Urine contains a lower solute concentration than seawater; this requires

1484-650: The desert bighorn sheep generally follow those of other bighorn sheep, except for adaptation to the lack of water in the desert. They can go for extended periods of time without drinking water. The desert bighorn sheep is the state mammal of Nevada . It is also the mascot of the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California . The range of the desert bighorn sheep includes habitats in the Mojave Desert , Sonoran Desert , Great Basin Desert , and Chihuahuan Desert , as well as

1537-435: The fluid is described as Osmolarity and is measured in osmoles per liter (Osm/L). When the body experiences a free water deficit, the concentration of solutes is increased. This leads to a higher serum osmolarity. When serum osmolarity is elevated, this is detected by osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus. These receptors trigger the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH resists dehydration by increasing water absorption in

1590-610: The heat. When such large amounts of water are being lost through perspiration, electrolytes , especially sodium, are also being lost. In most athletes exercising and sweating for 4–5 hours with a sweat sodium concentration of less than 50 mmol/L, the total sodium lost is less than 10% of total body stores (total stores are approximately 2,500 mmol, or 58 g for a 70-kg person). These losses appear to be well tolerated by most people. The inclusion of sodium in fluid replacement drinks has some theoretical benefits and poses little or no risk, so long as these fluids are hypotonic (since

1643-519: The importance of this adaptive strategy , which has allowed small bands of desert bighorns to survive in areas too dry for many of their predators. Desert bighorn sheep are social, forming herds of eight to 10 individuals; sometimes herds of 100 are observed. Rams battle to determine the dominant animal, which then gains possession of the ewes. Facing each other, rams charge head-on from distances of 20 ft (6.1 m) or more, crashing their massive horns together with tremendous impact, until one or

Desert bighorn sheep - Misplaced Pages Continue

1696-813: The kidneys and constricting blood vessels. It acts on the V2 receptors in the cells of the collecting tubule of the nephron to increase expression of aquaporin. In more extreme cases of low blood pressure, the hypothalamus releases higher amounts of ADH which also acts on V1 receptors. These receptors cause contractions in the peripheral vascular smooth muscle. This increases systemic vascular resistance and raises blood pressure. Dehydration occurs when water intake does not replace free water lost due to normal physiologic processes, including breathing , urination , perspiration , or other causes, including diarrhea , and vomiting . Dehydration can be life-threatening when severe and lead to seizures or respiratory arrest, and also carries

1749-490: The kidneys in an effort to conserve water. In dehydrated patients with sodium loss due to diuretics or renal dysfunction, urinary sodium may be elevated above 20 mmol/L. Patients may also have elevated serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine . Both of these molecules are normally excreted by the kidney, but when the circulating blood volume is low, the kidney can become injured. This causes decreased kidney function and results in elevated BUN and creatinine in

1802-416: The kidneys to create more urine to remove the excess salt, causing more water to be lost than was consumed from seawater. If a person is dehydrated and taken to a medical facility, IVs can also be used. For severe cases of dehydration where fainting , unconsciousness , or other severely inhibiting symptoms are present (the patient is incapable of standing upright or thinking clearly), emergency attention

1855-583: The mainstay of dehydration prevention is the replacement of free water losses). The most effective treatment for minor dehydration is widely considered to be drinking water and reducing fluid loss. Plain water restores only the volume of the blood plasma, inhibiting the thirst mechanism before solute levels can be replenished. Consumption of solid foods can also contribute to hydration. It is estimated approximately 22% of American water intake comes from food. Urine concentration and frequency will return to normal as dehydration resolves. In some cases, correction of

1908-460: The most common being fatigue. Dehydration contributes to morbidity in the elderly population, especially during conditions that promote insensible free water losses, such as hot weather. Risk factors for dehydration include but are not limited to: exerting oneself in hot and humid weather, habitation at high altitudes, endurance athletics, elderly adults, infants, children and people living with chronic illnesses. Dehydration can also come as

1961-476: The other ceases. Desert bighorn sheep live in separate ram and ewe bands most of the year. They gather during the breeding season (usually July–October), but breeding may occur anytime in the desert due to suitable climatic conditions. Gestation lasts 150–180 days, and the lambs are usually born in late winter. The number of desert bighorn sheep in North America in prehistoric times is unknown, but most likely

2014-414: The park is closed to all human traffic to protect their habitat. The herd has now grown to over 500 animals, to the point that they often come in contact with visitors in the eastern part of the park, and may begin spreading into surrounding agriculture areas with domesticated sheep. In southern California, by 1998, only 280 individuals of the peninsular bighorn sheep population remained, and that population

2067-436: The patient's body, in a location such as the forearm or the back of the hand, and watching to see how quickly it returns to its normal position. The skin turgor test can be unreliable in patients who have reduced skin elasticity, such as the elderly. While there is no single gold standard test to diagnose dehydration, evidence can be seen in multiple laboratory tests involving blood and urine. Serum osmolarity above 295 mOsm/kg

2120-467: The rank of variety are taken to be names of subspecies (see International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes ). As in botany, subspecies is conventionally abbreviated as "subsp.", and is used in the scientific name: Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii . In zoological nomenclature , when a species is split into subspecies, the originally described population is retained as the "nominotypical subspecies" or "nominate subspecies", which repeats

2173-668: The risk of osmotic cerebral edema if rehydration is overly rapid. The term "dehydration" has sometimes been used incorrectly as a proxy for the separate, related condition of hypovolemia , which specifically refers to a decrease in volume of blood plasma . The two are regulated through independent mechanisms in humans; the distinction is important in guiding treatment. Common exam findings of dehydration include dry mucous membranes, dry axillae, increased capillary refill time, sunken eyes, and poor skin turgor. More extreme cases of dehydration can lead to orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, weakness, and altered mental status. Depending on

Desert bighorn sheep - Misplaced Pages Continue

2226-418: The same name as the species. For example, Motacilla alba alba (often abbreviated M. a. alba ) is the nominotypical subspecies of the white wagtail ( Motacilla alba ). The subspecies name that repeats the species name is referred to in botanical nomenclature as the subspecies " autonym ", and the subspecific taxon as the "autonymous subspecies". When zoologists disagree over whether a certain population

2279-498: The serum. For routine activities, thirst is normally an adequate guide to maintain proper hydration. Minimum water intake will vary individually depending on weight, energy expenditure, age, sex, physical activity, environment, diet, and genetics. With exercise, exposure to hot environments, or a decreased thirst response , additional water may be required. In athletes in competition, drinking to thirst optimizes performance and safety, despite weight loss, and as of 2010, there

2332-455: The source for most translocation efforts in the state so far. The Sierra Vieja population started in 1987 with 5 sheep, and from 2014 to 2015, an additional 76 sheep were released, half of them fitted with radio telemetry collars to understand their movements more. The Van Horn population came from wild-caught Nevada sheep in 1987. This population did not do so well due to predation from mountain lions . The Culberson County population

2385-445: The steep, rocky terrain of the desert mountains with speed and agility. They rely on their keen eyesight to detect potential predators, such as mountain lions , coyotes , and bobcats , and they use their climbing ability to escape. Both sexes develop horns soon after birth, with horn growth continuing more or less throughout life. Older rams have curling horns measuring over three feet long with more than one foot of circumference at

2438-556: The subspecific name must be preceded by "subspecies" (which can be abbreviated to "subsp." or "ssp."), as in Schoenoplectus californicus subsp. tatora . In bacteriology , the only rank below species that is regulated explicitly by the code of nomenclature is subspecies , but infrasubspecific taxa are extremely important in bacteriology; Appendix 10 of the code lays out some recommendations that are intended to encourage uniformity in describing such taxa. Names published before 1992 in

2491-405: The underlying cause of dehydration, other symptoms may be present as well. Excessive sweating from exercise may be associated with muscle cramps. Patients with gastrointestinal water loss from vomiting or diarrhea may also have fever or other systemic signs of infection. The skin turgor test can be used to support the diagnosis of dehydration. The skin turgor test is conducted by pinching skin on

2544-425: The user of the notation is not taking a position). A subspecies is a taxonomic rank below species – the only such rank recognized in the zoological code, and one of three main ranks below species in the botanical code. When geographically separate populations of a species exhibit recognizable phenotypic differences, biologists may identify these as separate subspecies; a subspecies is a recognized local variant of

2597-630: Was added to the list of the United States' most imperiled species. Populations in three southern counties had suffered greatly from disease, development, and predation. As of 2008, about 800 peninsular bighorns are believed to populate the desert backcountry from the US-Mexico border to the San Jacinto Mountains , with known populations in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park . These gains, combined with Bush administration policies, prompted

2650-613: Was also started in 1988 from wild-caught sheep from Nevada. The Black Gap Wildlife Management Area population translocation began in 1995 with 20 sheep. Over the next five years, 73 more sheep would be released with origins from Nevada and Elephant Mountain. Restoration efforts picked up again in 2018 with the release of 82 sheep from Elephant Mountain. Most of those sheep were fitted with radio telemetry collars to track population factors. A very limited number of hunting permits are awarded per year in Texas, with one public land permit being donated to

2703-561: Was caused by conservation measures, including habitat preservation. In 1980, desert bighorn sheep populations were estimated at 8,415-9,040. A state-by-state survey was conducted a few years later and estimated the overall US desert bighorn sheep population at 15,980. The 1993 estimate of the population is 18,965-19,040. The results of the state-by-state survey are shown to the right. In Southwestern Utah, desert bighorns were largely extirpated by 1960, until 14 sheep were re-introduced into Zion National Park in 1978. The southeastern corner of

SECTION 50

#1732852473572

2756-413: Was in the tens of thousands. By the 1960s, the desert bighorn population had dwindled to 6,700-8,100. These declines were attributed to excessive hunting ; competition and diseases from domestic livestock , particularly domestic sheep ; usurpation of watering areas and critical range by human activities; and human-induced habitat changes. In 1939, after intense lobbying by Frederick Russell Burnham and

2809-431: Was no scientific study showing that it is beneficial to stay ahead of thirst and maintain weight during exercise. In warm or humid weather, or during heavy exertion, water loss can increase markedly, because humans have a large and widely variable capacity for sweating. Whole-body sweat losses in men can exceed 2 L/h during competitive sport , with rates of 3–4 L/h observed during short-duration, high-intensity exercise in

#571428