Desert bighorn sheep
A species of Sheep Scientific name : Ovis canadensis nelsoni Genus : Sheep
Desert bighorn sheep, A species of Sheep
Scientific name: Ovis canadensis nelsoni
Genus: Sheep
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Andrew Barna , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Desert bighorn sheep showcases an intriguing balance of adaptation and vulnerability, employing selective grazing strategies to ensure survival in unforgiving terrains, from scorching deserts to frigid mountains. An intriguing and unique mating system has been observed, where males engage in aggressive head-butting contests to win over the females. However, this species faces challenges linked to human-induced environmental changes, threatening its long-term sustainability.
General Info
Lifespan
10-20 years
Diet
Desert bighorn sheep, commonly known as the Desert Bighorn Sheep, primarily subsists on a diet composed of grasses and shrubs. Their diverse intake changes seasonally, incorporating cacti, forbs, and even trees during different periods.
Appearance
Desert bighorn sheep is a large, quadrupedal animal covered in coarse, white to pale brown fur. Females are typically smaller than males, but both sexes carry impressive curved horns, larger and more spiralled in males. They have a robust body shape with stout limbs, and are notable for their rump patch contrasting in color with their main body.
Behavior
Desert bighorn sheep are well-adapted social animals that primarily live in rough mountainous terrain. They travel in small groups, often led by a dominant male, grazing on various shrubs and grasses. Notably, males often engage in conflictual horn-clashing as part of a ritualistic display to establish ranking within the group.
Scientific Classification
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