Abstract
Soil from 13 mineral licks used by mountain sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) in the San Gabriel Mountains, California, was sampled for sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and chloride (Cl). Mountain sheep use of licks was determined from the percentage of grit in fecal samples in 1980 and 1981. Mineral licks were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in Ca and Mg than the surrounding soil. Licks were used by mountain sheep from April to September and significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with the moisture regime of chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). J. WILDL. MANAGE. 51(2):383-385 Mineral licks are an important source of dietary supplements for North American ungulate populations (Jones and Hanson 1985) including wild sheep inhabiting northern latitudes (Honess and Frost 1942, Packard 1946, Smith 1954, Geist 1971, Heimer 1973, Skipworth 1974). However, few studies (Kennedy 1957, Mahon 1969, Watts and Schemnitz 1985) have described the use of mineral licks by mountain sheep inhabiting southern latitudes. Turner (1973) suggested that mineral licks were not used by some desert dwelling mountain sheep populations because essential nutrients were obtained directly from their forage. However, Weaver et al. (1972) noted that mountain sheep inhabiting the San Gabriel Mountains in southern California used mineral licks. We discuss the characteristics of mineral licks and describe how they are used seasonally by mountain sheep in the San Gabriel Mountains. We thank W. M. Perry and K. Crombie who assisted with field work. D. D. Maxwell provided Calif. Dep. Fish and Game laboratory facilities. G. A. Fagella and M. J. Pletcher assisted with the analyses. R. T. Bowyer, J. D. Wehausen, and K. R. Whitten reviewed drafts of the manuscript. Funding for this project was provided by the San Bernardino Natl. For. and Calif. Fed. Aid Wildl. Restor. Proj. W-26-D.
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