advertisement
22 August 2022
The Desert Bighorn Sheep is an essential part of the wildlife in northwest Arizona, yet highways have separated and endangered these populations. Due to wildlife-vehicle collisions, interference with access to adequate water, and lack of habitat connectivity, bighorn populations are at risk.
To increase genetic diversity, many sheep do not need to migrate from one subpopulation to another. However, sheep become more vulnerable to outside threats if their genetic diversity diminishes. For example, an isolated herd of fewer than 50 animals can be wiped out by disease or drought. In addition, localized catastrophes such as drought could last so long that the animals cannot replace themselves and die.
advertisement
A bighorn population would naturally replace another population that had declined before artificial barriers fractured its habitat. However, if these areas are cut off from one another, the natural process of refreshing a population is not possible.
Bighorn sheep walked across valleys when they sought mates, food, water, or whatever else, drawing them to an adjacent mountain range before humans created barriers. In addition to fragmenting wildlife habitats and blocking connectivity between populations, highways also destroy and degrade home ranges. Highway construction has destroyed or altered at least 20 percent of wildlife habitats in the U.S., according to studies conducted in 1998 and 2000. Collisions also reduce wildlife populations with vehicles on roads. Other studies estimate 500,000 and 700,000 deer are killed on U.S. highways yearly.
As part of a historic and innovative collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Highway Administration, and Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Game and Fish Department developed a solution that saves bighorn sheep and drivers. 3 wildlife overpasses and adjacent funnel fencing were constructed along Highway 93 north of Kingman to reduce vehicle collisions with bighorn sheep. As a result of this infrastructure, wildlife can cross over roads safely, keeping them connected to their habitat and reducing the risk of injured motorists and wildlife.
advertisement
Unlike most highway overpasses, the bighorn bridges have dirt surfaces planted with native grasses on top of concrete overpasses. The sheep are guided safely toward three bridges, two of which are 50 feet wide, and the third is 100 feet wide, by funnel fences. In addition, sheep are prevented from jumping off bridges onto roads by parapet fencing.
After the U.S. 93 reconstruction mitigation measures, the crossings are already showing positive results with active monitoring. Findings already show that Desert Bighorn Sheep vehicle collisions dropped by at least 85 percent.
advertisement
Arizona is commonly known as the “Valley of the Sun” with over 300 days of sunshine a year. There are so many sunny days in Arizona that Phoenix has more sunshine days per year than any other metropolitan area in the country. In other words, if you suffer from Seasonal affective disorder, Arizona might be the state for you. The seasons are shorter and milder in Arizona (except perhaps for summer) — Arizona has an early spring with flowers blooming as early as January. Even the slightly chillier winter months won’t last long. Let’s find out what it’s like to
Arizona is famous for its desert landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and historic landmarks. But across the state, another form of art is quietly transforming walls, alleyways, and entire neighborhoods. Street art has become one of the most vibrant and accessible forms of creative expression in Arizona, turning ordinary buildings into outdoor galleries. From massive murals in downtown Phoenix to colorful installations in Tucson and unexpected pieces tucked into smaller towns, Arizona’s street art scene reflects the culture, history, and creativity of the communities that create it. advertisement Phoenix: A Growing Urban Canvas Phoenix has become the center of Arizona’s street art
Long before astronauts set foot on the lunar surface, scientists in Arizona were already studying it in remarkable detail. By the time President John F. Kennedy announced in 1961 that the United States would land a man on the moon before the end of the decade, researchers at the University of Arizona had already begun mapping the moon’s surface. Their work would prove critical to the success of NASA’s robotic missions and the historic Apollo landings. At the center of this effort was Gerard P. Kuiper, widely known as the father of modern planetary science. advertisement The Birth of Lunar
Arizona is a paradise for bird watchers, offering a diverse range of habitats that support both native species and migratory birds. From its desert landscapes to its high-altitude mountains, Arizona is home to an astonishing array of bird species. However, some birds in the state are considered rare, either due to their limited range, dwindling populations, or specific habitat preferences. In this article, we’ll explore some of the rarest birds in Arizona and what makes them so special. advertisement 1. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) Status: Critically Endangered The California Condor is arguably one of the most iconic rare birds in
