http://www.ck12.org Chapter 11. Understanding Biodiversity: Animals: Mammals
11.7 Ovis canadensis nelsoni: Desert Bighorn
Sheep
Common Name
- Desert Bighorn Sheep
- Mountain Sheep
- Sierra Bighorn
- Borrego Cimarron
Description
Ovis canadensis, or the desert bighorn sheep, is a species of sheep in North America named for their big horns. The
desert bighorn sheep is about 5 feet long and 4 to 5 feet tall. Males, otherwise know as rams, are about 120 to 220
pounds. Females, otherwise know as ewes, are about 100 to 150 pounds. The desert bighorn sheep has a lifespan of
about 10 to 20 years. The desert bighorn sheep is light brown, gray, and dark brown. They can go long periods of
time without drinking water. They are really good at living in really hot weather. They are excellent climbers and
good swimmers. They have white on the back of their legs and padded hooves. The desert bighorn sheep has very
good eyesight that helps it spot predators such as mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes.
The complete taxonomic classification is:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Bovidae