Researchers Tracked Bighorn Sheep Births Using GPS Data
A new study successfully estimated bighorn sheep birth dates by analyzing movement patterns from GPS collars.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Wildlife
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Researchers studying Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep on Antelope Island, Utah, between 2020 and 2022 used GPS collar data to identify lambing dates. The team successfully estimated birth timing by monitoring specific movement thresholds in female sheep.
Why it matters
Traditional field monitoring of wild ungulates is both time-consuming and risks disturbing animals during the vulnerable parturition process. This remote method provides a less invasive alternative for wildlife management.
The study analyzed movement patterns of 13 female sheep, identifying parturition when step lengths fell below 95 meters and velocity dropped under 0.05 kilometers per hour. Researchers achieved 100% accuracy within a 4-day estimation window.
The players
Brigham Young University
This private research university provided the necessary funding to support the bighorn sheep tracking study.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
This state agency oversees the conservation and management of wildlife populations and partnered to fund the research.
The details
The team analyzed metrics including step length, velocity, and turning angles to pinpoint when females exhibited the reduced movement characteristic of birthing. Data collected from 13 female sheep confirmed that 72% of births could be identified within a 3-day window.
Timeline
Researchers conducted the field study on Antelope Island from 2020 to 2022.
Culture Shift
The study published in the journal Animal Biotelemetry highlights a broader shift toward using remote sensing technology to improve ecological data collection. This methodology marks a move away from traditional, high-touch field research that can cause stress to wild animal populations.
This research provides Utah wildlife managers with more efficient tools to monitor sheep populations without disturbing them during the birthing season. Residents may see improved conservation outcomes and healthier herd growth in areas like Antelope Island.
The takeaway
The successful use of GPS movement thresholds to track births demonstrates that remote technology can effectively replace invasive direct monitoring. Wildlife researchers can implement these data models to gather accurate biological insights while minimizing human interaction with fragile populations.
Further reading
For more information on state animal populations, visit our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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