 Argali are the largest mountain sheep in the world, inhabiting select parts of Central Asia. This species is classified as Vulnerable by The World Conservation Union (IUCN) due to poaching and conflicts with domestic livestock production.
Researchers have radio collared 115 argali in Mongolia since 2000. Behavioral observations, genetic analyses, collection of biological samples, necropsies of animals that died, and fecal analyses also have been conducted. The project analyzes the locations which the collared specimens inhabited to identify their home ranges.
So far the research has shown that the argali do not have seasonal movement patterns.
Genetic studies show that all argali in Mongolia are one sub-species. Data is currently being analyzed to explore issues of resource overlap with livestock. The results of this work are helping us better conserve these magnificent animals.
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