Mountain Ram
Status: Three subspecies with different statuses inhabit the territory of the republic. The Pamir Mountain Ram (Ovis ammon polii Blyth, 1841), status - 3. The Tian Shan Mountain Ram (Ovis ammon karelini Severtzov, 1873), status - 2. The Severtzov Ram (Ovis ammon severtzovi Nasonov, 1914), status - 1.
Distribution general and in the country. Mountainous regions of Central Asia from the remnants of the Kyzylkum mountains, the Nuratau range, Pamir-Alai, Tian Shan, Chu-Ili mountains, Kazakh low mountains, Altai, Sayan, Himalayas. In the territory of Kyrgyzstan, it was previously found throughout the republic [53,23]. Currently, the highest population density is in areas located south of the Teskey Alatoo, Naryn-Tuu, and Atbashy ranges, in the mountains surrounding the Alai Valley. In the rest of the territory of the republic, scattered populations of the Tian Shan Mountain Ram have survived in the western part of the Kungey Alatoo, in the mountains surrounding Lake Son-Kul, along the Kyrgyz and Talas ranges [47]. A small population of the Severtzov Mountain Ram has survived in the foothills of the Turkestan range [9, 47].
Habitat. Prefers steppe communities on flat areas of mountains and intermountain valleys, altitude above sea level is not of great importance. However, currently, it has mostly survived in high-altitude areas, where it is less pursued [47].
Population. The highest population of the Pamir Mountain Ram [47]. Although there is no exact information about its population, based on various sources, it can be assumed that its population is 8,000-10,000 individuals. The population of the Tian Shan Mountain Ram does not exceed 1,000 individuals. The Severtzov Ram has practically disappeared, with its population not exceeding several dozen individuals.
Life Style (life cycles). A herd animal, only adult and old males prefer to stay in small groups and alone. Where it is not disturbed, it leads a predominantly diurnal lifestyle. In areas where poaching is highly developed, it prefers to feed at night. It primarily feeds on herbaceous vegetation [47]. It reaches sexual maturity at the age of 2.5 years. Polygamous. The rut occurs in November - December. Young are born in April - May, usually one, rarely two lambs. They are fed with mother's milk until October, sometimes even later.
Limiting factors. The main factor determining the number of rams is poaching, sometimes deep-snow winters. Natural enemies include wolves and snow leopards, and less frequently bears. Many young and even adults are killed by dogs.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). It is bred in zoos and nurseries.
Existing conservation measures. It is protected in the territories of the Sarychat-Ertash, Besh-Aral, and Sary-Chelek reserves. Hunting is prohibited, except for trophy hunting for foreign hunters.
Recommended conservation measures. Continuous monitoring of animal populations is necessary. Create protected areas in the Talas and Kyrgyz ranges. It is urgently necessary to develop a comprehensive set of measures to protect the Severtzov Ram in the foothills of the Turkestan range. Reduce the number of hunting firms for foreign hunting [47].
Argali
Argali
Ovis ammon Linnaeus, 1758
Status: V category, VUA2cde. Inhabits all mountainous ridges of Kyrgyzstan, karelini is sporadic in Sandalash, Talas, Kyrgyz, Djumgal, Kungei, and Teskei Ridges, Song-Kul Region, common in syrts of the eastern part of Tien Shan, but not in Arpa and Ak-Sai Localities, polii occurs in Arpa and Ak-Sai, Chatyr-Kul Lake Region, Kokshaal-Too, Alai Ridge. A typical inhabitant of highland steppes, meadows, and open midlands. Helicopter census demonstrated that there were 400-700 karelini argali in Talas Ridge, 1,200 animals in Sarychat-Ertash zapovednik (protected area), in the rest localities - around 100 animals. The density of polii argali obtained from helicopter census is 10 animals within a 10 km transect in Arpa, 27 in Ak-Sai, 30-39 in Korumdu Locality. Numbers of that subspecies dropped by almost twice over the last 10 years due to commercial hunting, especially males reducing by 12-18 times. Current density of that subspecies is 20.2-23 animals per 1,000 ha. Males of karelini join females in autumn; the heating season starts in October-November, and males fight with each other. Males start mating at 5 years. Pregnancy lasts for 160-165 days; females deliver 1 or 2 young animals in March-April. The mating season of polii starts in November-December. Females deliver 1 young animal in May-June. Limiting factors for both subspecies are poaching, commercial hunting for polii, predators, and heavy snow winters. Breeds successfully in captivity. The karelini subspecies was included in the Kyrgyz SSR and the USSR Red Books, protected in Sarychat-Ertash zapovednik (protected area). It is recommended to protect argali in habitats where they may inhabit, limit cattle grazing in suitable argali habitats, establish a protected area in Talas Ridge, and control the stock of wolves.
