Desert Bighorn Sheep

Native populations of Nelson’s bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsonii) are found in most of the mountainous terrain of the park, with population estimates as of 1994 at between 400 and 675 or more animals (Torres, S. G. et al. 1994). The population is listed as “fully protected” by the state, primarily due to the fragmentation of habitat throughout its range. It is not a federally listed species. Mojave National Preserve provides substantial protected habitat for desert bighorn sheep and is also one of the few places in California where bighorn sheep hunting is allowed. Limited hunting of bighorn sheep began in 1987 (BLM 1988). A limited number of permits to hunt bighorn sheep are issued each year by CDF&G through a lottery system. (See Table 1: Bighorn Sheep Populations in or near Mojave National Preserve).