Altai mountain sheep: species description and detailed information, breeding

Altai mountain sheep are considered the largest on the planet. They have significant differences from those animals that many people are used to seeing. The mass of a lamb can be 180 kilograms. At the same time, only horns account for 35 kilograms. This variety is considered very rare. Therefore, international organizations are taking measures to save the population.

Description of the Altai ram

These rams are large in size and proportionately built. In height, males at the withers grow up to 122 centimeters, and females - up to 114. The weight of males reaches 200 kilograms, while females weigh 103.These animals with large horns have a spectacular appearance. In old males, they reach 151 centimeters. At the same time, the girth at the base reaches 55 centimeters, and the weight is 22 kilograms.

The horns of animals perform important biological functions. They provide protection from predatory animals. Also, this body part is used by males to fight for the right to mate during the reproductive period.

In winter, the color of the thick coat can be brownish or gray-red. The belly and back of the body around the short tail are lighter in color. Older males have darker coats than females. In summer, individuals are distinguished by a rich reddish color.

Habitat

Today there are 3 isolated animal populations. They are located on the border of Mongolia and China, on the Saigyulem ridge and in mountainous regions near the headwaters of the Chulyshman River. Most often, sheep live in the mountain steppes near the foot of the ridges. They also settle in open areas of slopes at an altitude of 2-3 thousand meters above sea level.There is no forest vegetation in these places.

Number of individuals and reasons for population decline

At the beginning of the last century, the number of mountain sheep was 600 individuals. A little later, their number suddenly decreased to 245. With the help of special protective measures and the resettlement of adult animals in reserves, it was possible to slightly increase their number to 320.

The main reasons for the decline in the number of animals include the following:

The human impact on the environment. Today, Altai sheep are gradually being forced out of their usual places. In these areas, people graze domestic goats or yaks. Therefore, wild individuals are forced to look for new places.
Poaching. Although Altai sheep are considered protected animals, some of them are still shot. This occurs throughout the habitat of individuals.
Climate deterioration. Over the past decades, climatic conditions have been deteriorating more and more. The lack of food negatively affects the animal population, which leads to their death in the winter.

Social structure and breeding season

Mountain sheep are considered calm animals. They are not aggressive towards other species. Lambs that live in a herd constantly follow each other and feel the need to communicate with relatives. The rut period in animals begins in October and ends in mid-January. In individuals that live closer, this stage is considered to be longer. Sheep are polygamous. Males fight, clashing horns for the right to mate with a female.

In females, maturity occurs at 2 years, and in males - only at 5 years. After establishing dominance, the rams approach the females. Mating occurs 2-3 weeks after the start of the rut. Sometimes it is carried out within 2 months after the end of this period.

Pregnancy in females lasts a little over 165 days. Cubs are born at the end of March or in April. Most often, 1 lamb is born. However, sometimes twins are born. In rare cases, up to 5 babies may be born. Newborn cubs weigh 2700-4600 grams. They gain weight quickly. Already by 1 year, it increases by 10 times. Females gain maximum weight by the age of two, and males grow for another 2 years.

Diet

These sheep are considered herbivores. Herbs and greens are considered the basis of their diet. Females and young rams live in mountainous areas, where the quality of food is significantly worse than in the plains. Adult individuals for feeding choose places much lower. There is a lot of quality food there.

Altai lambs have managed to adapt to life in extreme conditions - they are able to endure wind and drought.

On average, the daily amount of food is 16-19 kilograms. At the same time, the diet changes taking into account the height and area of \u200b\u200bthe area. In the highlands, the diet is based on grass and sedge. At the middle level, the menu contains shrubs and herbs. Selected habitats include shoots, flowers, leaves and fruits.

Altai sheep need water. Individuals that live in the highlands have no problem with this. If animals live in dry areas, they are able to travel long distances to find water.

Enemies of argali in the natural environment

Adult females are large and able to run fast. Therefore, they do not require special protection from predators. Therefore, they can live near the plains. At the same time, females and young lambs need to live higher. Sometimes they are able to defend themselves with horns.

In their natural environment, Altai sheep face the following predators:

grey wolves;
cheetahs;
leopards;
irbises;
snow leopards.

Small lambs are suffering from coyotes. Even some birds of prey are also capable of attacking them. Eagles and golden eagles are the main danger. To avoid threats from predatory animals, sheep are forced to move in herds and stay in groups.

Breeding

They tried to breed these animals in zoos in America and Germany. However, these attempts were not successful. Usually the lambs died after a few months or even days. As long as possible, these individuals were able to live in captivity at the Biological Institute, located in Siberia. Their life span was 6 years.It is recommended to keep Altai rams near their natural habitat. At the same time, it is important to create suitable conditions for them and provide quality care.

Rocks must stick together to form large herds. At the same time, females always go separately, and males must do it in such a way as to protect the cubs.

What is WWF doing to save argali?

This organization has been taking measures for many years to preserve the Altai sheep population in Russia. The Foundation conducts anti-poaching activities, performs relevant research and keeps records of animals. WWF specialists take part in the creation of materials and programs aimed at protecting the species in Russia. They help create protected areas in animal habitats.

According to WWF, since 2003, the number of animals in the transboundary zone of Mongolia and Russia has been stable. Altai mountain sheep are a breed that is on the verge of extinction.The main feature of animals are considered to be unique sizes. Representatives of this species are distinguished by their impressive weight and voluminous horns. They live on high cliffs and need protection from conservation organizations.