December 2024

Double Lambing Update

Last month, we let you know about unique double lambing event this fall.  It’s been a busy month checking for more fall lambs and we’ve documented five new lambs since our last newsletter! This double lambing event, where a ewe gives birth twice in the same calendar year, is just the fourth time we have documented this in our 42 years. We suspect there are more lambs we still haven’t seen so we’re continuing our diligent fieldwork.  We’ll keep you informed!

*A spring lamb stands above a fall lamb

Helicopter Survey

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted its biennial range-wide helicopter survey of Peninsular bighorn sheep in early December.   We hope to have the results by the end of January.  The 2022 survey resulted in a range-wide population estimate of approximately 800 Peninsular bighorn (from Palm Springs to the Mexican border).  However, two of the nine recovery regions in the southern part of the range did not meet the Recovery Plan’s minimum threshold of twenty-five adult ewes.   We’re anxious to see how the population is doing overall.   In our study area, from Palm Springs to La Quinta, there are around 300 bighorn sheep.  We’ll look forward to getting this information and letting you know the new population estimate soon!

Well, Well, Well…

Last December, our well went dry and underwent significant repairs. At that time, it was determined our original (35 yr old) metal pipes were not in need of replacement.  These pipes lasted exactly one more year and this December, they sprung a major leak and we had to replace them.  We were back to hauling water out to the sheep pens for a week while the water was shut off and repairs were made.   However, all is repaired and we’re thrilled to have the water restored and our well should be good for many years to come. When issues and unexpected expenses like this arise, we’re incredibly grateful for your support.  Thank you, to all of our generous donors! 

Member Hike

At the beginning of December, we held our first Member Hike of the season and it was one of our best hikes yet with 23 sheep giving us great views!  Our next Member Hike will be held on Wednesday, January 15 and will likely be moderately strenuous (up to 1,000 ft elevation gain).  Space is limited, no dogs, and you must RSVP for this first come first served hike.  To sign up or for more information, please call us at 760-346-7334 or email us at bi@bighorninstitute.org.

*click above to see a video from our last hike

Bighorn Sheep Presentation

Early this month, we gave a bighorn sheep presentation as part of Oswit Land Trust’s speaker series at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs. It was a great turnout with over 100 guests, and as always, we enjoyed educating the public about the sheep. If you would like a bighorn sheep presentation for your group, give us a call at 760-346-7334 or email us at bi@bighorninstitute.org; we’d love to come talk to you! 

Year-End Gift

It’s not too late to make an end-of-the-year contribution!  You can donate online at www.bighorninstitute.org or mail us a check as long as it’s post-marked by December 31st.  Bighorn Institute is privately-funded and so every donation counts! All donations go toward our conservation efforts for Peninsular bighorn sheep.  Thank you!