Conservation of Transboundary Bighorn Sheep Between Baja California, Mexico And California, United States

Objective: This article addresses the conservation of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in the Baja California region of Mexico and its border area with California, United States, through a proposed and geographically defined binational Conservation Area Therical framework: With technical and historical concepts, current threats are highlighted, such as habitat fragmentation and the introduction of economic activities that have affected the species' populations. Conservation measures implemented binationally over time are reviewed, including closed seasons, population studies, and local conservation and sustainable management strategies on both sides of the binational region. Methodology: In 2013, 15 sheep were captured and tagged with ear tags and Sirtrack brand model G5C 375, GPS geolocation collars. The collars allow the remote collection of data on the movements of these individuals for approximately a year and a half. With this information the activity area of each sheep was calculated with a 95% confidence interval, with the support of maps and satellite images Results and discussion: The transboundary mobility of bighorn sheep is demonstrated and cooperation between Mexico and the United States is proposed for the creation of a geographically specified Transboundary Conservation Area as an alternative for its management and conservation with a binational perspective. Implications and originality: The management of bighorn sheep in this area, its promotion, and its dissemination, can help to improve the development of local bighorn sheep populations as well as yhe surrounding human settlements. This proposed approach is the first of its kind to provide a real and effective conservation effort.