Changes in movement, habitat use, and response to human disturbance accompany parturition events in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)

A hidden Markov model (HMM) using GPS data from collared bighorn sheep successfully identified parturition events with 93% accuracy, offering a novel method to detect lambing dates without extensive field observations. The study found that periparturient ewes in Banff National Park preferentially selected high-elevation sites with rugged terrain, solar aspects, and proximity to escape routes post-lambing, while also avoiding areas near roads or trails. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing human disturbance during lambing periods to protect maternal behavior and ensure access to suitable habitats, providing critical insights for wildlife management in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.

Brushett, A., Whittington, J., Macbeth, B., & Fryxell, J. M. (2023). Changes in movement, habitat use, and response to human disturbance accompany parturition events in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). Movement Ecology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-023-00404-2