Mountain sheep: what is it called and looks like, where does it live and what does the species eat

Relatives of domestic sheep are varieties of mountain sheep. They live in the wild and are adapted to move in rocky terrain that combines precipices and vertical slopes. Animals can be found in some areas of Eurasia, North America and the African continent. Most representatives consider it a rare species.

What is the name of the mountain sheep

Mountain sheep are artiodactyl mammals that belong to the family of bovids. The Latin designation of the species is Ovis ammon. According to legend, the name comes from the name of one of the gods.The inhabitants of Olympus turned into animals, fearing the giant Tifana. And Amun took the form of a ram. Experts disagree about the classification and number of species of these animals. The term "mountain sheep" is most often used in relation to the largest representative of the group. Arkhar in Mongolian means "wild sheep".

Origin of the species

The question of the origin of sheep has not been finally studied. Scientists are still wondering who is the ancestor of animals.

There are several types:

1. Mouflons live mainly in Asia. Many researchers doubt that it was this group of animals that became the ancestor of modern species.
2. Argali wild sheep are among the largest representatives of bovids. Giants are met in the foothills of Central Asia. The primogeniture of individuals has also not been proven.
3. Aragali, originally from the Himalayas and Transbaikalia, is considered the most likely ancestor of sheep.

The mountain sheep classification system is constantly changing. As a result of research, new species of artiodactyls are isolated, and representatives of other subspecies are combined into separate groups.

Description and characteristics

Mountain sheep are large animals with large horns that are screwed in like a corkscrew. The edges are rounded, and reach a length of 1 to 2 meters. Males fight for the right to be considered the leader of the herd. And horns are formidable military weapons.

Adult ram weighs from 60 to 190 kilograms, females are 2 times lighter. The Pamir argali are considered the most impressive. This representative of the bovids is also called Marco Polo in honor of the traveler who first described the animal. The mountain sheep reaches 1.8 meters in length, but has a short tail - 10-17 centimeters. The color of artiodactyls varies from yellow to dark brown.Natives of the Himalayas are dark, the Russian subspecies looks much lighter. Males are distinguished by a white collar on the neck and a darker coat color compared to females. Animals molt 2 times a year.

Habitat and habitat

Mountain sheep are representatives of the fauna of high mountain regions. The most common areas where animals live are:

Mouflons:EuropeanOne of the representatives of the European species inhabits the south of the continent, Sardinia and Corsica Cypriot Argali Snowy Thick-horned and thin-horned Urial, or steppe ram

Name	Habitat
A rare, almost extinct species found in Cyprus
Representatives of this group live in Altai, Kazakhstan, Tibet and other high mountain regions. The largest are natives of the Pamir rocks.
These artiodactyls have chosen the expanses of Eastern Siberia
Region of species - North America
Lives in Central Asia and Kashmir

Mountain sheep rarely travel long distances. The area of migration rarely exceeds 40 square kilometers. In summer, the livestock rises to the alpine meadows in the mountains, in winter they descend to the valleys, where there is less snow, it is easier to find food.

What does the animal eat

The basis of the diet of representatives of the bovid family are herbs. In the conditions of high mountains, sheep find a space free from trees, but with a variety of vegetation. Ewes and young are fed separately from males. Adults occupy territories at a lower level, where significant food supplies can be found.

In the elevated areas, wild sheep find various grasses and sedge, a little lower - shrubs and mesophytes.

A valuable substance for sheep is s alt, with the help of which they replenish the reserves of minerals in the body. Animals also enjoy eating branches of trees such as oaks or maples, but cereals are considered the biggest delicacy. The daily intake of feed in mature males is from 16 to 19 kilograms. In the mountains, small streams and melted snow become a source of water for wild sheep. In dry areas, animals sometimes have to travel considerable distances in search of water.

Character and lifestyle of a ram

Alone mountain sheep are rare, animals often form small herds. Ewes with offspring live in separate groups from adult males. Migration is usually associated with the search for food. In the hot season, artiodactyls move closer to the top of the mountain.

But sometimes the reason for the displacement of the herd is natural disasters or fires. Poachers are also able to force animals to leave their habitats.

Mountain sheep are quick-witted. They warn their relatives of danger with a low bleating sound. They try to avoid direct collision with enemies. The ability to jump from one rock to another helps to get away from predators. In length, the animal jumps to a distance of 3-5 meters. In situations that do not pose a threat to life, wild animals show a peaceful disposition.

Social structure and reproduction

The mountain sheep rut starts in mid-autumn and lasts through January. In animals living at lower levels of elevation, this period is sometimes longer. For the right to mate with a female, adult rams arrange a real battle. The blows of the horns that they exchange can be heard at a distance of about 800 meters. The winner chooses the female.

Females reach puberty at 2 years, much earlier than males, who begin to mate with the opposite sex no earlier than 5 years. Wild sheep are next to the chosen one for another 2 months after the rut. The gestation period reaches approximately 165 days. Usually, childbirth falls in March or April.

Main characteristics of animal formation:

Lamb weight at birthup to 5 kgWeight gain in the first day after birthtenfoldThe appearance of the first milk tooth in lambs after 3 monthsFinal shaping of teethafter 6 months Age of Maximum Weight Gain:females2 yearsmales 4 yearsLifespan10-12 years

Indicators	Value

1 lamb usually produces 1 lamb. Some species of bovids give birth to twins, sometimes cases of the birth of five lambs at once are recorded. The offspring of the female continue to feed milk even after the appearance of teeth.

Natural enemies of mountain sheep

Artiodactyls do not avoid other animals. When mountain sheep stick together, the horns and fast running act as a defense against danger. But if an individual is left alone, it freezes in place until the threat has passed.

The ability to move across rocky terrain serves as a reliable defense against predators. Artiodactyls can become victims of wolves. They are also preyed upon by snow leopards, leopards and other felines, and smaller animals by golden eagles and eagles.

Population and species status

The number of mountain sheep has decreased in recent years.Some species are in danger of extinction. It is not only predators that are affecting the reduction in livestock. Poachers have long been attracted to luxurious animal horns, skins and meat. Prohibitions on the sale of valuable raw materials do not deter dealers in underground goods. Shooting of artiodactyls is carried out even in territories under state protection. In China, ram horns are used in folk medicine. In Russia, the reduction of the population is affected by mining, in Mongolia - by the development of agriculture. Urbanization processes lead to a decrease in rare animals in many countries.

View Preservation Issues

Mountain sheep are included in the Red Book of Russia, China, Kazakhstan and other countries. In different parts of the world, reserves are created where rare animals are caught only for breeding. In zoos, artiodactyls are kept in spacious pens, which provide a separate room for protection from the weather. Comfortable conditions help the herd easily adapt to captivity.

The appearance of offspring outside the wild environment gives hope for the restoration of the population. Domesticated animals are also crossed with domestic sheep, which contributes to the emergence of new breeds.

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