OpportunityTitle: Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Lion Monitoring and Research
CategoryExplanation: Challenge Cost Share
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: Eligible Applicants are limited to Arizona Game and Fish Department
Description: Unique Qualifications-The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon the specific need in which the work is accomplished. Eligible applicant is limited to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). The AGFD provides the needed service by utilizing their trained and experienced personnel and department-owned and contracted aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopters. Annual surveys of desert bighorn sheep and desert mule deer are needed to monitor the health of the animals and to jointly set harvest(hunting) goals. Numbers of desert bighorn sheep have decreased dramatically on Kofa National Wildlife Refuge since 2000. An annual capture of some of these animals is needed to put on radio-collars and assess the health of the bighorn sheep through biological samples, to include bloodwork. AGFD has worked closely with the Kofa NWR staff to complete the surveys and captures and provide an effective economical means to meet this need. Project and Purpose - The principal purpose of this agreement is to complete annual aerial surveys of desert bighorn sheep and mule deer populations on Kofa NWR, and to capture and release desert bighorn sheep. All efforts would occur on Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Results of the survey would be used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and AGFD, who are jointly responsible for the management of wildlife. These results would be used to asses the condition and population trends of the animals. The results of the captures would allow the animals&apos; movements and the ultimate causes of their mortality to be determined, as well as their health being assesed at the time of collaring and re-collaring.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: D. Pike
GrantorContactText: Debbie Pike &lt;br/&gt;Administrative Technician &lt;br/&gt;Phone 928-345-4910