Bighorn sheep
A species of Sheep Scientific name : Ovis canadensis canadensis Genus : Sheep
Bighorn sheep, A species of Sheep
Scientific name: Ovis canadensis canadensis
Genus: Sheep
Content
Description General Info
Description
Bighorn sheep is notable for its complex social hierarchy, with dominant males using forceful displays and combat to control access to females during mating season. This species showcases fascinating adaptation to diverse mountain herbivore diets, including the consumption of minerals from natural salt licks to compensate for nutrient deficiencies. Furthermore, browsing on high-altitude vegetation minimizes predator encounters.
General Info
Lifespan
10-18 years
Diet
Bighorn sheep primarily grazes on grasses, supplemented by forbs, lichens, and shrubs, during warmer seasons. Winter diet comprises dried grasses and shrubs, while mineral lick sites provide crucial nutrients.
Appearance
Bighorn sheep is a large, robust mammal possessing a dense coat varying from dark brown to grayish-brown. It proudly sports elongated, curling horns, significantly larger in males. Male horns, distinguished by their pronounced curvature, can weigh more than the rest of the bones in the male's body combined. Females bear horn as well, but these are noticeably smaller and less curved. Summer shedding renders bighorn sheep's coat lighter and reveals sharp contrast between its white belly and darker upper parts.
Behavior
Bighorn sheep exhibits a gregarious nature, tending to reside in sizeable herds. Males practice a hierarchical system, asserting dominance via head-butting duels. Living in mountainous environments, bighorn sheep adaptively migrates to different altitudes depending on seasons, ascending during summer and descending in winter. They are selective grazers, primarily feeding on grasses and sedges.
Scientific Classification
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