Ungulates, or split-hoofed animals, are an important group of animals due to their popularity in hunting and their regulating effect on ecosystem balance. There is a high population of ungulates in the Evergreen Stewardship Plan Sub Region, although many are currently facing population decreases due to increased predation and/or human-induced displacement.
Of the pool of priority species that have suitable habitat in the Plan area, the species included in this section were chosen according to the following five guidelines:
- Is the species at risk or threatened?
- Is the species an invasive species?
- Is this an introduced species that is causing significant damage to the population numbers of indigenous species that are important to ecological balance within the Sub Region?
- Is the species of historical or cultural significance?
- Is the species of economic importance?
- Does the presence of this species contribute significantly to the economy of the Sub Region?
- Is the species of ecological importance?
- Is there significant dependence upon this species by other species or for the maintenance of ecological balance?
More species will be added to the plan as it evolves. For each species in the plan, general issues will be addressed first, followed by issues specific to each species’ population.
| Selected Species | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Elk | Economic importance |
| Roosevelt Elk | Economic importance |
| Canadian Moose | Economic importance |
| Shiras Moose | Economic importance |
| Mountain Goat | Economic importance |
| Mule Deer | Economic importance |
| White-tailed Deer | Economic importance |
| Black-tailed Deer | Economic importance |
| California Bighorn Sheep | Economic importance / At risk/threatened |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Economic importance |
| Mountain Caribou | Historical/cultural significance |