Overview
Considerably smaller than the Tibetan argali. This argali is quite special in that its horns keep curving rather tightly and does not stretch outward like Tian Shan or Altai argalis. Horn lengths to 50-1/2 inches (128.3 cm) and bases to 15-1/2 inches (39.4 cm) have been recorded (Rowland Ward, 1909). Described as uniformly reddish-fawn in summer, except for the white muzzle, with no rump patch and underparts darker. Females are said to have a dark dorsal streak. The winter coat has a white neck ruff, which may encircle the head, white underparts and rump, and white areas on the face. It has a relatively higher brow than that of the Tibetan argali which might indicate a closer relationship to the Altai, Gobi and Tibetan argalis than to those farther west and south. Relatively long legs.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Ovis
- Species
- Argali, ammon
Habitat
Argali inhabit higher elevations. Habitat varies according to geographic location, but includes mountains, steppe valleys and rocky outcrops and open desert.
Diet
Argali eat 35-42 lbs (16–19 kg) 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. They are fast runners.
Hunting
The first legal hunt was conducted in 1991. The average size of a trophy is about 41-46 in (104-117 cm) with one and a half circle of horns. It is a significant advantage to be familiar 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.
Conservation Status
A well-established population of argalis of the Tarbaghatay Mts. of Kazakhstan and the Sair Mts. of China.