Desert Bighorn Sheep Relocated to Franklin Mountains

In a significant conservation effort, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is relocating a herd of 80 desert bighorn sheep from Elephant Mountain to Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, aiming to restore the species to its historic range. The relocation is prompted by a dramatic 50% decline in the sheep population since 2021, primarily due to pneumonia spread by non-native aoudad sheep. The Franklin Mountains are considered ideal for the bighorns as they are free from these invasive sheep, which pose health risks. This project is part of a long-term strategy by various conservation groups to reintroduce bighorn sheep to Texas, where they have been absent for nearly a century. Wildlife officials will monitor the sheep's acclimatization with GPS collars, though a 40-50% mortality rate is anticipated during this transition. The public is invited to witness the release, marking a monumental step in the conservation of this iconic species.