ULGII, MONGOLIA — A coordinated census of the rare Altai argali, the world’s largest subspecies of mountain sheep, is commencing this week along the remote border of Russia and Mongolia. This year’s survey, supported by the Interregional Association "Irbis", has been launched earlier than usual due to an earlier start to the animals' rutting season.

In an innovative approach to avoid double-counting, Russian and Mongolian conservation teams will conduct parallel expeditions. Moving in sync from west to east along their respective sides of the frontier, the groups will maintain constant communication to track the movement of argali herds across the vast territories of the Altai, Tuva, and western Mongolia.

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The argali is a key prey species for the endangered snow leopard, which remains another primary focus of our conservation efforts," she stated. "It is only by working in concert with our Mongolian partners that we can effectively protect these magnificent species, which pay no heed to international boundaries.

Daria Petrova, Director of the "Irbis" Association, emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation.

The Russian team comprises rangers and specialists from the Saylyugem National Park, the Altai Nature Reserve, and other protected areas. Their Mongolian counterparts include staff from the Mongolian Altai’s Protected Areas Directorate and the Silkhem National Park.
Following a planning meeting in the Mongolian city of Ulgii on 8th October, the teams departed for their field routes on 9th October. The count is strategically timed for the rutting period, when the normally dispersed rams and ewes congregate, making them easier to observe.

There is some speculation that a premature snowfall in the Mongolian argali habitats may have driven a significant number of the animals across the border into Russia, where the snow cover is lighter and foraging is easier.
The latest survey, conducted last year, recorded a promising total of 7,978 argali in the transboundary zone—a population that has doubled since 2014. The primary stronghold in Russia is the Altai Republic, with a count of 3,756 individuals, while Mongolia’s Saylyugem Ridge hosted a further 2,240 animals.