The Altai mountain sheep (Ovis ammon ammon) is a pair-hoofed mammal of the horned sheep family. It is a subspecies of the argali and the largest member of its species.

It is one of the priority rare species for protection in Russia. The argali’s large horns make it a target for poachers seeking trophies.

APPEARANCE

Horn weight: up to 35 kg

Height at withers: 70-125 cm

Body length: 1.2-2 m

Body length: 1.2-2 m

Life span: 12-18 years

Appearance: Representatives of the subspecies have a stocky body, thin but strong limbs. The end of the muzzle is significantly lighter than the coloration of the animal's head and back.

RANGE OF THE ALTAI MOUNTAIN SHEEP IN THE WORLD

The species under consideration is endemic to the mountain systems of Mongolia and the Gobi Altai region, with smaller populations found in specific ridges and massifs in Eastern Kazakhstan, Eastern Altai, Southwestern Tuva, and Mongolia. Within the borders of our country, it is exclusively found in areas adjacent to Mongolia, specifically in the Republics of Altai and Tyva, at four designated sites: Tsagaan-Shibetu, Chikhacheva and Sailugem ridges, as well as in the Mongun-Taiga district of Tuva.

HOW THE ARGALI LIVES

Mountain sheep migrate across the border and back constantly. In winter, most individuals stay in Mongolia, where there is less snow, while in summer they migrate to Russia. It is not possible to count the number of a single grouping of the species at the junction of countries without the combined efforts of the two countries.

BEHAVIOR AND NUTRITION

Two distinct groups can be identified within the Altai mountain sheep population: females and young individuals on one hand, and males on the other. During the breeding season, which occurs from January to February, males engage in competitive behavior, using their horns to strike each other in the sides and chest. They then spend the winter in the valleys before ascending to the mountains in the spring. They inhabit rocky slopes and mountain pastures at elevations ranging from 2400 to 2800 meters above sea level. Notable predators in their ecosystem include irbis and wolves.
Their diet consists primarily of grasses, including cereals and sedges.

POPULATION STATUS AND SPECIES STATUS

Local hunters pursue Altai mountain sheep for their horns, which are utilized in traditional Chinese remedies. Due to the remote and inaccessible nature of their habitat, effective population control measures are challenging to implement.

INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ALTAI MOUNTAIN SHEEP

The population of Altai mountain sheep in the transboundary zone of Russia and Mongolia has increased significantly since 2014, with a twofold growth recorded since then. In 2023, a synchronized count of the transboundary population of Altai mountain sheep (argali) revealed that the population of the transboundary group is estimated to be between 6,921 and 6,981 individuals, marking a 732-individual increase compared to the 2021 census. Of these, 2957 individuals were recorded in Russia and 4024 in Mongolia.
A comparison of figures from previous years on different ranges shows that the argali grouping on the Sailugem Ridge has increased significantly, especially from 2019 to 2023. This is likely due to the effective protection of the area.

For context, the total number of argali in the transboundary zone of Russia and Mongolia was 6,189 in 2021, 4,886 in 2019, and 4,675 in 2017. In Mongolia, the argali population grew by 341 individuals over two years.
Synchronized counting of argali numbers in the transboundary zone of both countries has been taking place since 2014. In 2018, the joint monitoring of argali by the forces of Russia and Mongolia was formalized by the order of the 8th meeting of the Joint Russian-Mongolian Commission on Environmental Protection. At the end of 2022, the first Conservation Strategy for the Altai Mountain Sheep was officially approved in Russia.

INTERESTING FACTS

Fighting on "horns" for "females" is so exhausting for males, who almost do not "eat" and"spend a lot of energy, after rut they often become prey to predators— snow leopards, wolves.

In the mountains, the argali spend the entire winter consuming dry, shriveled grass from the previous year. This grass is not nutritionally adequate, but the shepherds are aware that high-mountain grass is higher in calories than grass from the plains. During winter, wild ungulates and livestock forage for grass beneath the snow.

Surviving on a meager diet in winter

In October−November, Argali has a rutting season. Usually, a younger and weaker male, after several close encounters with an opponent, gives up and simply leaves. The stronger and "adult" still catches up with the opponent for some time, but "no longer"fights with him. If the opponents are equal, the fights can last for a quarter of an hour. The horny beauties silently watch the "duels" and "wait for the winner, because he"will get the whole harem.

The weight of a male Altai mountain sheep can reach 180 kg, and their horns can weigh up to 35 kg. Unfortunately, for the sake of such a valuable trophy, poachers are destroying argali.

The winner takes it all

Argali is the largest arkhar on the planet

After the mating season, males lose vigor

An adult ram eats about 10-15 kg of grass per day, but it drinks little and can sit on a dry diet for a long time. In winter, they hoof grass, moss, lichens, and migrate to places where the snow is high. With the onset of cold weather argali migrate from Mongolia Russian Altai, and from Tuva, on the contrary, go into Mongolia.

Pure vegetarians

For ungulates, the release of minerals (salts) from the earth is important. Ungulates lick such natural salt flats to the bottom. Environmentalists help wild animals by setting up artificial salt wells and burying bags of salt in the ground. It is also convenient to install camera traps in such places, and animals will definitely get into the lens.

Salt will be preferred to a tasty lunch

Fighting on "horns" for "females" is so exhausting for males, who almost do not "eat" and"spend a lot of energy, after rut they often become prey to predators— snow leopards, wolves.

After the mating season, males lose vigor

In the Argali mountains, last year's dry, withered grass is plucked all winter, which does not seem to be nutritious at all, but shepherds know that alpine grass is more nutritious than grass of the plains. In winter, wild ungulates and livestock graze the grass from under the snow.

In winter , they survive on a meager diet

For ungulates, the release of minerals (salts) from the earth is important. Ungulates lick such natural salt flats to the bottom. Environmentalists help wild animals by setting up artificial salt wells and burying bags of salt in the ground. It is also convenient to install camera traps in such places, and animals will definitely get into the lens.

Salt will be preferred to a delicious lunch

In October−November, Argali has a rutting season. Usually, a younger and weaker male, after several close encounters with an opponent, gives up and simply leaves. The stronger and "adult" still catches up with the opponent for some time, but "no longer"fights with him. If the opponents are equal, the fights can last for a quarter of an hour. The horny beauties silently watch the "duels" and "wait for the winner, because he"will get the whole harem.

The winner gets everything

An adult ram eats about 10-15 kg of grass per day, but it drinks little and can sit on a dry diet for a long time. In winter, they hoof grass, moss, lichens, and migrate to places where the snow is high. With the onset of cold weather argali migrate from Mongolia Russian Altai, and from Tuva, on the contrary, go into Mongolia.

Pure vegetarians

The weight of a male Altai mountain sheep can reach 180 kg, and their horns can weigh up to 35 kg. Unfortunately, for the sake of such a valuable trophy, poachers are destroying argali.

Argali is the largest argali on the planet