Overview
A dwarf form of the Kamchatka snow sheep. Similar in coloration to Kamchatka Bighorn only body coloration is paler than its southern cousin, possibly about 10-15% smaller as well, the white muzzle and rump patch are not as pronounced. This compact sheep has shorter legs in proportion to the body than Bighorn from the south. Of the many many different ranges in the far north of Kamchatka of which many have sheep on them, also display some different characteristics from one group to another, mainly in horn shape, tighter curls, and overall shape. Snow sheep have compact, muscular bodies and relatively short legs (compared with other Asian sheep) that are adapted to climbing precipitous terrain. The coat is coarse and brittle, with each hair containing a sealed air pocket that serves as insulation. Hair texture is said to be quite different from that of North American sheep, being thick and woollike and becoming very long and shaggy in winter. The glands below the eyes are dark vertical skinfolds that protrude beyond the hair. Snow sheep have distinct rump patches, but do not have saddle patches, bibs or neck ruffs. The tail is broad and dark. The horns are homonymous, with the right horn growing in a right-handed spiral and left horn in a left-handed spiral, forming a tight curl of relatively small diameter. The horns are similar to those of the Dall and Stone sheep of North America, being brown or dark amber in color, fairly heavy and quite smooth, and with the frontal-orbital edge forming a prominent keel.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Ovis
- Species
- Snow sheep, nivicola
Habitat
Steep, rugged terrain with nearby grassy pastures, in alpine and arctic regions. They inhabit the upper forested zone to the limits of vegetation, a maximum altitude of 7,000 feet (2,000 meters). They prefer to winter on Southern slopes. The living conditions are severe in the winter. Temperatures can fall down to −76 °F (−60 °C) with harsh winds and prevalent snowfalls. The combined range of all susbspecies of Snow sheep covers an area almost twice that of the argali's range.
Diet
Their diet consists primarily of grasses, but also of lichens, mosses, and willow sprouts.
Behavior
We know relatively little about snow sheep, but their habits are thought to be similar to those of Dall and Stone sheep. Like other pachyceriforms, snow sheep are classed as K-selected species, and have relatively low reproductive rates (one lamb after 170-180 days gestation) and long life spans (12-18 years). Females are believed to be sexually mature at 18 months, with the first lamb born at age two. Unlike other Asian sheep, they rarely have twins. Extremely agile and nimble, and able to move quickly over steep, uneven terrain. Within bachelor herds, a dominance hierarchy is formed based primarily on horn size. These hierarchies remain relatively stable, even in the breeding season, with larger males getting the majority of the mating rights. However, if two males have approximately equal sized horns, the dominant/subordinate relationship is decided in combat. Facing each other from a distance, they run towards each other with heads lowered, rearing up and crashing their horns together in an attempt to throw their rival off balance.
Hunting
Some of these areas have never ever been hunted before. A satellite phone is always recommended. Of the four different trophy classifications of snow sheep, only two of the four may be counted toward the Ovis World Slam of 12 sheep. All four may be counted toward the Super 20, Super 30, and Super 40. The SCI Record book has adopted these same boundaries.
Conservation Status
More information is needed.