Overview
The winter coat was described by Severtzov as having light brown upper parts that lighten gradually to the diffuse, grayish-brown rump patch. The yellowish-white belly is separated from the flanks by a wide dark line. A dark dorsal line runs from shoulders to loins. Neck mane is white, shaded with grayish-brown. They have relatively long legs. It is said to be similar to the Marco Polo, but its horns have a tighter curl and are generally thicker. The record horns measured 70-3/4 x 15-1/2 inches (179.7 x 39.4 cm), which is much larger than any other karelini of record.
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 desert.
Diet
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. They are fast runners.
Hunting
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. Limited number of licenses are issued annually for Tian Shan Argali hunts.
Conservation Status
This species is susceptable to threats of many kinds due to their limited range. Further research is necessary to conserve this species in the future.