Bighorn sheep hoisted by helicopter in Death Valley as scientists study disease resistance

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- A study of bighorn sheep in Death Valley National Park aims to figure out why some herds are more resistant to disease than others.

Sixty sheep were captured and transported by helicopter as part of the study. Researchers collected genetic, disease, immune and microbiome samples from each bighorn sheep, and they were released after a GPS collar was attached for tracking.

A bighorn sheep is transported by helicopter as part of a study in Death Valley National Park. (Photo courtesy NPS/Bill Sloan)

"In November and early December, park visitors might have seen bighorn sheep hanging from a helicopter," according to a park news release. "These GPS collars will help produce the most accurate picture of the location, movement, and size of desert bighorn herds in Death Valley to date. They will also provide real time monitoring of how bighorn sheep respond to challenges like disease, human activities and climate change."

The study involves researchers at Oregon State University in cooperation with the National Park Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"Diseases pose one the largest threats to the survival of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni). Bighorn sheep were exposed to new diseases when domestic sheep and goats were brought into the West. Some diseases are common and relatively minor in domestic sheep and goats, yet can be deadly for bighorn sheep," according to NPS.

National Park Service and Oregon State University biologists work with a bighorn sheep in November. (Photo courtesy California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

A survey of desert bighorns at the Nevada National Wildlife Refuge last year found that the population of herds there had declined dramatically.

Studies have shown that most desert bighorn sheep spend their lifetimes within a single mountain range, but some ewes and rams journey between mountain ranges. "These wanderers create important genetic diversity, but they can also spread disease between herds," NPS said.

"While some herds interact with many wandering sheep, other herds are more isolated. Researchers at Oregon State University think that difference affects how bighorn sheep immune systems evolved. This could explain why some herds are more resistant to certain diseases," NPS said.



from KLAS https://ift.tt/l0OIo6h

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Post-pandemic stress leaves many lacking proper sleep

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)-- Covid-19 has changed the lives of many around the world, but the stress that came with it is still lingering for some individuals more than two years later. "I'm averaging three hours of sleep every night for the last two months," said Kortney Olson, a local who's been dealing with lingering pandemic stressors. "I'm in the apparel business, so supply chain issues and really logistics everything was so slimmed down it caused an immense amount of stress and it carried over." Pre-pandemic, she said she was averaging six hours of sleep per night, but now, no matter what she tries, it's hard for her to get a good night's rest. A study by the Sleep Foundation revealed that around 40 percent of people had issues sleeping during the pandemic. And Dinisha Mingo, CEO of Mingo Health Solutions, said, among other issues, she has seen an increase of patients coming in regarding sleep. Mingo said with schedules being thrown off for two
Read more

David Koresh's Camaro - aka 'Armageddon's Relic' - from Waco siege for sale in Las Vegas

Image
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Owning a piece of history is special to many people, especially if it item is tied to an event that made worldwide headlines. But those headlines are not always good. On April 19, 1993, 76 men, women, and children died in Branch Davidian compound fire in Waco, TX. All of them were followers of one man, David Koresh. Now, the car that Koresh owned, and is thought to be his escape car, is for sale right here in Las Vegas. The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 427 Coupe has been dubbed 'Armageddon's Relic' and is being sold at Vegas Auto Gallery by its current owner, Ghost Adventures host and the man behind the Las Vegas Haunted Museum, Zak Bagans. The true asking price is being kept quiet to all but serious buyers, but according to Vegas Auto Gallery General Manager Ken Tangen, it will cost someone six figures to own this ride. It comes with a reprinted copy of the Waco, TX title showing Koresh owned the car. The car itself also has a custom stamp
Read more

These 10 retailers offer pickup options so you can still get your last-minute Christmas gifts

Image
BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details. The holidays have arrived. Are you ready? Earlier this year, Amazon announced same-day delivery and pickup of select products from select locations throughout the U.S. As Christmas rapidly approaches and other holidays have already begun, regular delivery schedules prevent products from arriving in time. However, if a store offers pickup options, that means you can still get gifts until the very last minute. But which retailers offer this convenience? What are the advantages of “buy online, pick up in-store”? Although buying online and picking up in the store may sound like a bigger hassle than simply shopping at a brick-and-mortar store, there are actually several benefits: You can do all of your comparison shopping without leaving home and pick the very best product for you with a click. If there is limited stock or you can’t get there right away, you may be able to buy it immediately to ensure you
Read more