Overview
The horns are less massive than in an Altai or Gobi argali. The longest horns of record were from Ladakh and measured 55-1/4 inches (140.3 cm), and the largest bases were 19-3/4 inches (50.2 cm) (Rowland Ward, 1898). The horns form a tighter spiral with little or no flare, and are usually less than a full curl. The tips are usually broken or broomed, the surface wrinkles are close together and only moderately prominent, and the frontal edges are rounded. In winter, the upper parts are grayish-brown, with the throat, chest, rump, underparts and inside of legs white. There is a dark streak down the front of the legs. The head is brown with a white muzzle. Males have a ruff of long white hairs on neck and throat, and a dark crest on the back of the neck. Females have a short, dark throat ruff. 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. Open, rolling plateau country at altitudes of 12,000-15,000 feet (3,600-4,600 m).
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
There is currently no hunting of this animal.
Conservation Status
Listed as Endangered by the USF&WS (1976) and on Appendix I of CITES (1975). Originally listed by CITES at the request of the Indian delegation and without debate, reportedly because the Ladakh population was being overhunted by the Indian troops who were stationed there.