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The Sulphur / 8 Mile (S8M) Stone’s Sheep Project
is a multi-stakeholder research and planning
initiative that developed as a result of oil and
gas pre-tenure plan requirements in the
Muskwa-Kechika Management Area.
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Our research is continuing to address objectives
that will ultimately guide site-specific
management plans and best management practices
for oil and gas development in areas where high
resource potential and Stone’s sheep habitat
overlap.
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Since field work began in 2005, we have focused
on understanding population demographics and
distribution, ewe (adult female) survival and
mortality patterns, habitat use by ewes, and
herd health.
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Population estimates from surveys done in
2006/07 suggest that the S8M area supports
15-20% of the Stone’s sheep in Region 7B
(Peace-Liard). Sheep numbers in the S8M area
are estimated at 1200 individuals, and appear to
be stable relative to historic surveys in 1977
and 2004.
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Good lamb production and recruitment appear to
balance moderate ewe mortality levels.
Mortalities are most common March through May,
when sheep are in weakened body condition and
spring snow melt results in hazardous terrain.
While predation accounts for nearly half of the
mortalities investigated to date, non-predation
deaths due to natural causes (accidents, falls,
injuries, health, and nutrition) are also
important factors. Wildlife-vehicle collisions
on the Alaska Highway are also a significant
mortality factor for sheep.
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We’ve identified at least 2 distinct populations
of ewes in the project area, using separate
ranges. Differences in population demographics
and habitat use are apparent between the two
populations, with density on winter ranges and
distribution of topographic and habitat features
potentially being key factors.
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General health parameters (e.g., body condition,
parasite levels, disease occurrence) of ewes in
the S8M area appear to be within normal range.
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In wild sheep, rams (males) and ewes commonly
segregate for most of the year, and this has
implications for site-specific Pre-Tenure Plan
management direction. Our data showed critical
knowledge gaps relative to habitat use by rams
in the S8M area. In the fall of 2007, project
stakeholders recommended and approved expanding
the S8M Sheep research program to include an
analysis of habitat use by rams.
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In April 2008, the Habitat Conservation Trust
Fund announced $145,125 in funding for 2008/09
to support our research addressing habitat use
by rams. Global Positioning System (GPS)
radio-collars fitted on rams in 2008/09 and
2009/10 will collect daily location data that we
can use to identify seasonal movements and
habitat preferences.
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Other funding sources supporting our research
program in 2008/09 include the Oil and Gas
Commission Science and Environmental Knowledge (SCEK)
Fund ($250,000) and Trans Canada Pipelines Ltd
($35,000).
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In August 2008, the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines
and Petroleum Resources approved a one year
extension on the Sulphur / 8 Mile Oil and Gas
Pre-Tenure Planning process, deferring the sale
of oil and gas tenures until March 2011. This
extension was requested to enable completion of
the ewe and ram research, so that Sulphur / 8
Mile Pre-Tenure Plan management direction could
be based on comprehensive and up-to-date
information on the status and habitat
requirements of Stone’s sheep in the S8M area.
