One important player to the ecosystem of the Dolores River canyons is the desert bighorn sheep, a subspecies distinct from the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep found in cooler, alpine regions.
With males sporting long, curved horns and females with much shorter, less curved horns, this agile species differs from the larger rocky mountain bighorn sheep by having a lighter build and shorter, lighter-colored coats—adaptations that help them endure the desert heat.
This nimble species is able to climb impossibly steep rocks and make it look easy. Residing on the sharp, red cliffs through the valleys and pastures of the Dolores, desert bighorn sheep are key inhabitants to this land.
Desert bighorn sheep serve as important prey for larger predators, including coyotes, golden eagles, and mountain lions. They primarily feed on grasses, clover, and cacti. They are ruminants, which allows them to eat large amounts of food at once, but rechew and digest later, once safe from predation.
As bighorn sheep usually stay in groups, it is not uncommon to catch a sighting of these agile and intriguing creatures. Next trip out to Dolores, keep a lookout for a pack of large horns climbing the cliffs—and appreciate how these desert dwellers uniquely differ from their rocky mountain relatives.
The future of the Dolores River Canyon Country is uncertain--imperiled by the long-term impacts of climate change and by the threat of development, including renewed interest in mining.
Energy Conservation & Efficiency
