Update on Kofa NWR
Background Kofa NWR historically had large numbers of desert bighorn average about 800 individuals Source population for many transplants (AZ, NM, TX, CO) Sharp drop in population estimate from 2000-2006 Herd appears to have stabilized at about 50% of historical population (past 5 surveys)
Population estimate (# individuals) Population Estimates 1000 800 740 766 887 826 800 842 861 937 783 785 811 812 600 657 600 620 400 390 460 436 410 200 0
2007 Investigative Report Outlines activities to restore the bighorn sheep herd on the Kofa Refuge so it can again serve as a transplant source Signed by the USFWS regional director and AGFD director
Estimate population parameters of the Kofa bighorn sheep population. Survey schedule changed from every third year to every year starting in the Fall of 2006. Improve confidence intervals, update group size estimator with new data - Mike Conroy 6
Monitor disease occurrence within the Kofa bighorn sheep population. Blood drawn whenever sheep are handled. 8 out of 34 sheep in 2009 tested positive by PCR for Mycoplasma 3 of 7 positive in 2010, still waiting on results. Majority have titers for BRSV and PI3. 7
Reduce the negative impacts of human recreational activities on bighorn sheep. Satellite collars and constant monitoring by grad student are providing better data on lambing areas. Sign-in registers record public use on top of Castle Dome and Signal Peak. Inadequate staff or funding to properly pursue actual impacts of recreation on sheep. 8
Continue management of the Kofa NWR bighorn population as a transplant source herd. Transplants discontinued (last in 2005) May resume when population approaches long term average of 800 sheep 9
Continue to offer bighorn sheep hunting opportunities. 15% of the older age class rams (class III and IV). Permits have declined from 15 to 5. 10
Raise public awareness of the value of bighorn sheep on the Kofa NWR and the need for active management to maintain the herd. Dedicated Kofa Sheep Restoration page on the Department website (AZGFD.GOV). Numerous press releases and interviews. 11
(Predation Management)
(Predation Management) Determine cause and extent of predation. Satellite collars on 30-40 bighorn ewes cause of mortality. Satellite collared lions - monitor and locate kill sites Remote trail cameras used to determine lion patterns. Lion scat diet analysis Lion scat DNA analysis Ashwin Naidu 13
Mortality 17 Mortalities Investigated 2007 - Present 1 5 Definite or probable mtn lion predation (11) Capture myopathy (1) 11 Unknown/no sign predation (3) 63 collared ewes
7 lions have been collared since 2007
Lion # Kofa Bighorn Sheep Restoration (Predation Management) # months collared Bighorn Sheep Mule Deer KM01 3 5 2 1 Prey Items KM02 2 1 4 1 2 KM03 5 6 7 Badger Coyote Fox Bobcat KM04 6 16 2 1 KM05 4.5 3 13 KF01 1.5 3 3 1 KF02 1 2
(Predation Management) Reduce predation mortality on sheep while the population is below the long-term average of 800 and there is evidence that predation is limiting bighorn population recovery. Three male lions lethally removed after they met the criteria of offending lions Females KF01 and KF02 have killed 3 and 2 bighorn lambs in the short time they have been collared (<2months) 17
(Predation Management) Monitor recovery of the sheep population when predator control is implemented. Continue to monitor population annually until the sheep population approaches the long term average of 800 sheep Population Estimate Action <600 lion removal >800 no lion removal monitor Between 600 and 800 Annual assessment based on available data 18
Ensure year-round water availability for all bighorn sheep on the Kofa NWR. Created water monitoring protocol for the refuge- conduct over flights as needed. Analyzed distribution of permanent waters. 19
Ensure year-round water availability for all bighorn sheep on the Kofa NWR. Yaqui and McPherson Tank renovations. Associated lawsuit with waters in wilderness Temporary water tank in Engesser Pass (not in wilderness). No sheep observed on camera yet. Water hauling some tanks in wilderness require use of thousands of feet of hose. Improve efficiency clean out, seal, install evaporative covers, etc. 21
Old and New Style
Yaqui and McPherson Tanks
Chronology of Lawsuit April 2007 Investigative Report signed May 2007 FWS issues CatEx to build McPherson and Yaqui in wilderness to replace existing waters Early June 2007 New Yaqui constructed June 15 2007 Wilderness Watch files for restraining order to prevent construction of McPherson not granted Late June 2007 McPherson constructed 24
Wilderness Watch files complaint that FWS violated wilderness act and NEPA Sept 2008 District court ruled against WW Oct 2008 WW files appeal Dec 21 2010 9 th Circuit Court reversed lower court s decision, remanded back to District Court for remedy Current FWS and WW negotiating out of court Next -? 25