Interesting new report available on the impact of the recent fires in the San Gabriel Mountains on Bighorn sheep. By Venon C. Bleich.
The critically important role of fire in chaparral ecosystems is well known, and its role in producing and maintaining abundant, high-quality forage for mule deer and other ruminants has long been recognized. Not only are bighorn sheep occupying the chaparral of Southern California the recipients of nutritional benefits associated with fires, but they also benefit from the openness of vegetation created by fires.