Ecotypic variation in population dynamics of reintroduced bighorn sheep

摘要: Selection of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) for translocation historically has been motivated by preservation subspecific purity rather than adaptation source stocks to similar environments. Our objective was estimate cause-specific, annual, and age-specific mortality introduced that originated at low elevations in southern British Columbia, Canada (BC ecotype), or the Missouri River Breaks region central Montana, USA (MT ecotype). In North Dakota, USA, typically adult female from MT (0.09 ± 0.029 [SE]) BC (0.08 ± 0.017) during 2000–2016. Median life expectancy 11 years females reached adulthood (2 yrs old); however, accelerated with age 86% 16. Mortalities resulted primarily rates predation, disease, accidents, unknown natural causes (<0.04 [upper 90% CI]). Similar survival MT, coupled greater recruitment a projected rate increase ecotype (λ = 1.21) (1.02), more youthful structure. These results support areas are environmentally will be stocked. Potential benefits include rapid population growth, resilience recovery density-independent losses, an increased possibility rapidly growing populations expand into adjacent habitat, hunter opportunity, connectivity among herds, complete restoration ecosystem processes. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.