New Mexico's efforts to restore and sustain wild sheep populations are ongoing, with a focus on preventing the decline of bighorn sheep. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) recently conducted an operation over 11 days to capture and relocate 172 bighorn sheep. This initiative aims to enhance demographics and genetic diversity among smaller herds.
A skilled helicopter crew captured the sheep, which were then brought to department staff for field processing. This process included health assessments and collecting biological samples for disease monitoring and genetic diversity evaluation. "All Bighorn sheep were handled with the utmost care and proper animal handling techniques," said NMDGF.
The relocation efforts targeted two Desert Bighorn populations in the Peloncillo and Sacramento mountain ranges, effectively doubling their size. This increase is expected to improve genetic diversity and long-term viability. Additionally, bighorns from the Jemez, Ladrone, and Fra Cristobal mountain ranges were released near their capture sites, allowing biologists to monitor their movements and survival rates.
Funding for these conservation efforts comes from hunting license sales, auction and raffle tag funds, as well as partnerships with state agencies, federal entities, private landowners, and researchers. According to NMDGF, "These coordinated efforts represent the very frontlines of wild sheep conservation."
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