Overview
A large, long-legged, light-boned argali with what many claim to be the most spectacular horns of all the world's sheep. The summer coat is a light, speckled brown, with the face, chest, underparts, rump patch, and legs white. In winter, the upper parts of their coat are a somewhat darker brown and there is a full white neck ruff extending to the brisket. The winter hair is much longer, making the animal appear larger and heavier than it is. Because of this, many believe the Marco Polo to be the largest, in terms of body size, of all the argalis. The long, slender horns are homonymous, forming 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 open spirals, and triangular in cross section with a sharp orbital-nuchal edge. The longest horn ever recorded was 75 inches (190.5 cm) (Rowland Ward, 1895). The largest circumference for this race is 17 inches (43 cm), with 14 to 15-1/2 inches (36-39 cm) usual. Horns and skull together will weigh about 25 pounds (11-12 kg), the horns' slimness compared to other argali subspecies can make them seem longer than they actually are.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Ovis
- Species
- Argali, ammon
Habitat
Argali inhabit high altitude regions. Habitat varies according to geographic location, but includes mountains, steppe valleys and rocky outcrops and open deserts. Usually at altitudes of 15,000-19,000 feet (4,600-5,800 m). Rarely below 10,000 feet (3,000 m).
Diet
Grasses, lichens, mosses, and willow sprouts are a staple of this sub-specie. Argali eat 16–19 kg (35–42 lb) of food a day. The vegetation preferred by the species varies based on elevation and area. In higher elevations, they predominantly eat grasses, sedges, and forbs. At midelevation habitats, they more regularly feed on bushes and mesophyte grasses. In the lowest ranges and the spurs of deserts, grasses and sedges again predominate, but often of different species than the high-elevation ones. Water is needed by argali, which is rarely a problem for animals living at high elevation, where melting snow and small waterways are regularly encountered. In drier climes, argali may travel several kilometers in search of water. When available, argali readily consume saline soil.
Behavior
Argali live in herds typically numbering up to 150 animals, segregated by sex, except during the breeding season. Some rams are solitary, but most are seen in small herds numbering between up to 30 individuals. Females and their young live in larger groups, regularly up to 90 individuals and sometimes up to 200 animals. Migrating herds, especially those made up of males, have been reported. Most migration appears to be related to seasonally decreased food sources, an overabundance of biting insects (especially gadflies), severe drought or fires, poaching by humans, and competition with domestic livestock. With their long legs, these animals can travel quickly from place to place. Argali tend to live at higher elevations during the summer. These sheep are calm and gregarious with one another. It is a fast runner.
Hunting
Of all the wild sheep of the world, there is none more widely known or better publicized than the (polii). Ever since Marco Polo made his epical journey to the courts of Kublai Khan some seven hundred years ago the world has known of this wild sheep. (Marco Polo's) reports of this fabulous animal with its extraordinary horns were even beyond the imagination of the learned. (James L. Clark) The Marco Polo is one of the finest wild sheep and is one of the world's very top hunting trophies. It lives at high altitudes that not all hunters can cope with; some have been stricken with pulmonary edema and have required evacuation. One should not attempt this hunt without a good level of cardiovascular fitness and a recent medical examination. A significant advantage is a familiarity with handling a horse. Local horses are easy to handle and well adapted to high altitudes. Travel on horseback enables one to cover longer distances, with less physical pain, in search of the perfect ram. A limited number of licenses are issued each year for Marco Polo Argali.
Conservation Status
Listed as Near Threatened by IUCN.