US93 bighorn sheep study : distribution and trans-highway movements of desert bighorn sheep in northwestern Arizona.
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2007-01-01
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Edition:Final report; Feb. 2004-Dec. 2006.
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Abstract:Desert bighorn sheep were monitored via satellite telemetry, ground observations, and
track beds between 2004 and 2006, primarily to determine distribution and movements
relative to mileposts (MP) 3 to 17 of U.S. Highway 93 in the Black Mountains of
northwestern Arizona. Bighorns were distributed and moved throughout the study area,
but locations of trans-highway movements were not random. Construction of a highway
bypass structure between MP 0 and 3 had no apparent effects on permeability of the rightof-
way corridor to bighorns. Bighorns concentrated trans-highway movements in the area
of proposed highway realignments between MP 3 and 17 at five locations. The research
team identified five continuous, linear, elevated guideways (ridgelines) in this area where
bighorns concentrated trans-highway movements. Specifically, these ridgelines were
located near MP 3.3, 5.1, 7.7, 12.2, and 15.3. Eighty-two percent of highway crossings
between MP 3 and 17 occurred near ridgelines at MP 3.3, 5.1, and 12.2, and the research
team concluded highway crossing structures at these locations likely would promote
highway permeability at a level ensuring genetic heterogeneity and vigor of the resident
desert bighorn sheep population.
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