The Desert Bighorn Sheep: Wilderness Icon

by Mark C. Jorgensen, Mark C, Young

Desert Bighorn Wilderness Icon is the most comprehensive photographic work on this elusive symbol of the deserts of the southwest United States and northern Mexico. Photographer Jeff Young worked for years to assemble tens of thousands of high quality photographs and assemble them into what is the finest collection of desert bighorn photos ever published. Author Mark Jorgensen brings his five decades of experience studying desert bighorn sheep and managing their habitat to provide the informative text of this book. The book’s six chapters features some 200 high quality photographs featuring rare behavior, sheep in their rugged desert habitat, ewes nurturing newborn lambs, and massive rams in stunning ritualized combat for dominance. The text documents the struggle to provide habitat for the desert bighorn from Nuevo Leon west to Baja California, Mexico, and from Texas west to California. Today, well-regulated hunting programs in the United States and Mexico have generated millions of dollars in revenue, which has been directed to bighorn management and conservation programs.

143 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2014

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Jorgensen has been the backbone advocate for Bighorn Mountain Sheep for the last 35 years. The former ranger, biologist and superintendent of the Anza Borrego wilderness, spells out a deep backstory for the book on Youtube, courtesy of Sunbelt publications. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHbYA...
If you want to just get a pile of information, take a look. The book itself is a love story between a great photographer named Jeff Young and the ungulate species called the Bighorn Sheep (peninsular type aka Nelsoni). Nelson was an arctic explorer before naming many species in the deserts of California and Baja California.

Jorgensen outlines the many unusual features of the Bighorn. They have four stomachs for processing the cactus, grass and myriad thorny bushes of the desert. The first stomach just takes in the food, the second stores it and begins the fermentation process and can regurgitate the input to the first stomach for further chewing (hence the phrase "chewing the cud". By the time you get to the fourth stomach (intestine), little dry balls are the output. A very compact and efficient system in a place where water is not readily available and any time you go down to the stream you may meet a hungry predator.

Kind of weird, but hunting licensing is the basis for trying to save this wonderful animal species. Licenses in the US go for as much as $300,000 and in the Baja Viscanio Wilderness the princely sum of $60,000 is raised at the top end. Islands in the Gulf of California have been made sanctuaries for the rebirth and survival of the athletes of the the steep terrain.

Take a look at the pictures and feel the commitment of Jorgensen's words. We want all nature to continue, but most of all the unlikely Bighorn Mountain Sheep.

[Holly R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Desert Bighorn Sheep: Wilderness Icon is an extraordinary combination of wildlife photography and conservation education. The breathtaking images capture the strength, beauty, and resilience of desert bighorn sheep in remarkable detail. The text is equally compelling, providing deep insight into the challenges these magnificent animals face in the harsh desert wilderness.

[Rebekah S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both visually stunning and intellectually enriching. The photography is absolutely magnificent, especially the dramatic images of rams engaged in ritual combat and ewes caring for newborn lambs. The authors successfully blend scientific knowledge with artistic presentation, creating a work that is informative, emotional, and unforgettable.

[Ramon S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly remarkable tribute to one of North America’s most iconic wilderness species. The detailed explanations of habitat conservation and wildlife management demonstrate the authors’ deep expertise and dedication to preserving desert ecosystems. Every page reflects passion, patience, and respect for nature.

[Norman J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The level of photographic quality in this book is exceptional. Each image feels immersive and alive, allowing readers to experience the rugged desert landscapes alongside the sheep themselves. Beyond the visuals, the conservation message is powerful and highly educational. This is an outstanding resource for wildlife enthusiasts and conservation supporters alike.

[Pamela C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with remarkable clarity and supported by spectacular photography, The Desert Bighorn Sheep: Wilderness Icon offers a fascinating exploration of the life, behavior, and survival of desert bighorn sheep. The book succeeds not only as a photographic masterpiece but also as an important reminder of the value of wildlife preservation and responsible environmental stewardship.

[Kate Picher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful photos and I learned a lot from the text to tell visitors to our nature center.