The Argali, or the Mountain Sheep (species Ovis ammon)...
The Argali, or the mountain sheep (species Ovis ammon) is the globally endangered wild
sheep, which roams the highlands of Central Asia (Himalaya, Tibet, Altay). It is also
the biggest wild sheep, standing as high as 120 cm and weighing as much as 140 kg. The
Pamir argali (also called Marco Polo sheep, for they were first described by that
traveller) may attain more than 6 feet in length.
The general colouration varies between each animal, from a lightish yellow to a dark
grey-brown. The face is lighter. Males have a whitish neck ruff and a dorsel crest.
Males have two large corkscrew horns, some mesuring 190 cm/ 6.3 ft in length. Males use
their horns for competiting with one another. Females also carry horns, but much smaller.
Argalis live in herds between 2 and 100 animals, segregated by sex, except during
breeding season. Migrating herds, especially males, have been reported. With long
legs, herds can travel quickly from place to place. Argalis tend to live at higher
elevations during the summer.
Argalis are considered endangered or threatened throughout their entire range, due to
habitat loss from overgrazing of domestic sheep and hunting. They are hunted for both
their meat and their horns, used in traditional Chinese medicine. Legal hunting of
trophies has also added to the mortality.
The general colouration of argalis is variable, ranging from a light buff to darker grey-brown, with white hairs being interspersed in some cases (especially in older individuals). The underparts are whitish, and separated from the main body colour by a darker band which runs along the sides. The face is noticeably lighter. In addition, males have a whitish neck ruff, which encompasses most of the neck's surface, and a dorsal crest, both of which are more prominent in the winter coat. Argalis have a whitish rump patch, although there is much variation between subspecies in terms of size and borders. Adult males carry two enormous corkscrew-like horns, which can reach 190 cm / 6.3 feet when measured along the spiral. Females also bear horns, although these are much smaller, rarely exceeding 30 cm / 1 foot in length.
Argali sheep are found in mountainous areas in central Asia above 1000 m. This species
has a wide range with several localized subspecies recognized. The range of the argali
sheep covers the Irtysh River and Altrai Mountains in Siberia, south to the Himalayas
in Tibet. It stretches to cover the land west to the Oxus river near Afghanistan, and
eastward to the Mongolian plateau.
Argali sheep usually occupy the same areas for the duration of their lives. They are
found at upper elevations on steep slopes above 1000 m. Adult males are larger and
faster than females, and do not have as great a need to avoid predators. They therefore
choose prime vegetative habits that are more exposed than are those chosen by females
and young rams. During summertime as food becomes available, higher elevations are
chosen by all animals.
The landscape of central Asia is vast and mostly open. Mountains have been worn down
by erosion and huge sloping hills remain, allowing a great range of visibility for the
animals which live there. Vegetation is dominated by grasses, with very few trees
present on the landscape.
Ovis ammon is the largest of the world’s sheep, weighing in between 60 and 185 kg.
Shoulder height is between 90 and 125 cm. Horns are a prominent feature on these animals.
They have a corkscrew shape with rounded combat edges. Males and females both have horns,
although the horns of females are smaller. The male’s horns can be up to 190 cm in length,
measured along the coil.
The coloration of the argali sheep is two-toned with a dark band running laterally along
the belly, separating the dark brown upper half from the pale hair below. Argali sheep
have a distinct, light rump patch and pale face. Males generally have a light colored
neck. The coat is shed twice yearly, with the summer coat being darker and the winter
coat having a longer hair length.