Award Date

1-1-1993

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Science

First Committee Member

Charles L. Douglas

Number of Pages

184

Abstract

In this study, I used information on topography and the distribution of resources in the Eldorado Mountains, Nevada, to characterize bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) habitat quality, and information on movements of radio-collared bighorn to estimate home range size and patterns of movement. Study results were used to evaluate potential impacts of three proposed highway alignments (Gold Strike Canyon, GSA; Sugarloaf Mountain, SLA; and Promontory Point, PPA) on bighorn sheep; Seasonal preferences for aspect, slope, elevation, distance to water, distance to escape terrain, and land surface ruggedness (LSR) were studied for male and female bighorn sheep. Distinct differences in habitat selection existed between the sexes throughout most of the year; Due to the close proximity of the highway alignments to each other, little difference exists in their potential impacts to bighorn sheep. Analyses using geographic information systems, however, indicates SLA intrudes the least on high use areas, high quality habitat, and areas identified as lambing habitat of the three. Habitat loss due to potential habitat fragmentation will be greatest for GSA. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

Keywords

Bighorn; Black; Bridge; Canadensis; Canyon; Desert; Habitat; Movements; Nevada; Ovis Canadensis; Project; Proposed; Relation

Controlled Subject

Forests and forestry; Ecology; Civil engineering

File Format

pdf

File Size

8847.36 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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