Science in Practice Portal

Many habitat evaluation systems have been developed for desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni). However these systems may not satisfy all of the following needs: 1) be applicable to a broad geographical area; 2) provide data for a diversity of habitats; 3) allow ready determination of potential carrying capacity connected with habitat condition and condition changes; 4) provide for computer analysis and modeling capabilities and; 5) provide land managers with an understandable habitat rating score. Our proposed system analyzes the need of cover, water, forage, and space by desert bighorn sheep using current computer applications while allowing for documentation of what an experienced observer knows by just looking at the habitat.