This presentation will provide an update after year 3 of the Health Status and Behaviour of British Columbia’s Southernmost Stone’s Sheep (Ovis dalli stonei) project. The sheep form the Dunlevy and Schooler ranges are among the most southern functionally viable herds of the species. Sheep in this area are relatively unique, primarily wintering on low elevation snow-free south facing grassy slopes and rock features along the Peace Reach of the Williston Reservoir.  These sheep are at high risk due to:

1. the proximity of farmland and potential transmission of pathogens from livestock;
2. overlap with elk which are known to carry ticks causing hair loss.

An intensive study was conducted on these two herds from 1999-2005 providing an extensive baseline on population dynamics, health status, seasonal movements and habitat use (Wood et al. 2010). With support from local residents and regional biologists, this follow up study was initiated in 2019 to reassess health status, monitor population demographics, develop a habitat enhancement program and compare to data collected previously in 1999-2005. 

A total of 10 sheep were safely captured, sampled and collared in March 2021, for a total of 16 active collars at the time. Seven sheep, all ewes, were captured using drive–netting methods on 20 Mile Point in the Dunlevy herd area, the first known use of this method in nearly 17 years.  These sheep were all sampled for a variety of diseases and health factors of which will be discussed.

The Natural Resources & Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi) at UNBC hosts a weekly lecture series at the Prince George campus. Anyone from the university or wider community with interest in the topic area is welcome to attend. Presentations are also made available to remote participants through Zoom Webinar. Go to http://www.unbc.ca/nres-institute/colloquium-webcasts to view the presentation remotely.

Pre-registration (free) is required to attend this presentation; https://unbc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-sTAkFNmTAevzx9QwvNECA

Past NRESi colloquium presentations and special lectures can be viewed on our video archive, available here.

This event is funded by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP). The FWCP is a partnership between BC Hydro, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, First Nations, Public Stakeholders and the Province of BC, to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by existing BC Hydro dams.