Predation on domestic sheep in northeastern Nevada

Abstract

A northern Nevada range band of sheep was studied in order to verify the extent of losses to predation and to other causes. Daily searches were made for losses and carcasses were autopsied. During lambing, predator losses varied on the two operations studied, 1 loss per 14 days in one case and 1 loss per day in the other. Losses from other causes were high at that time. Predation increased in late summer and continued to be high into the fall. Predation was the major cause of loss at that time. Winter losses were variable. In one short period, 38 head of sheep were lost to halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus). In one annual production cycle 9% of the band was the total verified loss. The verified predator loss was 4% of the band. The coyote (Canis latrans) accounted for 91% of the total predation.