The Irbis Association, in collaboration with the Sailugem National Park, has compiled a report that summarizes the findings of a census conducted to determine the population density of Altai mountain sheep (argali) within the transboundary zone that straddles Russia and Mongolia.

Notably, for the first time since 2023, when systematic monitoring of the species' population in the transboundary region of the two countries commenced, the population of argali in Russia has surpassed that of its neighboring nation of Mongolia, with a total count of 4,074 individuals in Russia, as compared to 3,904 in Mongolia.

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This shift can be attributed to the increased efforts in scientific research and anti-poaching initiatives in recent years. Notably, there has been a surge in the population of Altai mountain sheep, a rare species of ungulate, within Russia. The Interregional Association "Irbis" has played a pivotal role in supporting a project aimed at safeguarding the Altai mountain sheep. This initiative is driven by the recognition that the argali serves as a crucial food source for the snow leopard, particularly within the Sailugem Range. This initiative underscores the interconnected nature of ecological systems, emphasizing that the conservation of one species can significantly impact the well-being of another.

Ali Uzdenov, Chairman of the General Meeting of the Interregional Association "Irbis"

The total number of the cross-border group amounted to 7,978 rare mountain sheep. Of these, there are 3,756 individuals in the Altai Republic, the main habitat of argali in Russia, 318 individuals in the neighboring Republic of Tyva, and 318 individuals in Mongolia, on the Sailugem Ridge. nbsp;— 2240 argali, on the territory of the Uvs Aimag — 1664 individuals. For comparison, 2,957 individuals were recorded in Russia last year, while 4,024 individuals were recorded in Mongolia.
Rare Altai mountain sheep live only in the border area of the country next to Mongolia in the Republics of Altai and Tyva. The number of argali in Russia was distributed as follows: in the Altai Republic, there are 2,240 individuals in the Sailugem Range, 144 in the Chikhachev Range, and 24 in the Yuzhno-Chuisky Range.

Scientists from Russia and Mongolia conducted a joint inventory of Altai mountain sheep (argali) with the support of the Interregional Association "Irbis" in November. The participants in the accounting were: Sailyugemsky National Park, Ubsunurskaya Hollow and Altaisky nature reserves, the Directorate of Altai Natural Parks, and the administration of the Mongolian Altai Protected Area in Mongolia.