Argali  (Ovis ammon)

Argalis are threatened throughout their range but some subspecies are in a far worst situation than others. Habitat loss caused by the introduction of domestic sheep is perhaps the most pertinent threat to their survival (2). Hunters have traditionally valued the magnificent horns and hunting affects population numbers throughout their range (1).

It is possible that the sustainable management of hunting could offer some hope to the conservation of certain populations of argali (5). Although controversial, this practice increases the value of the species to local people, protects habitat and with careful monitoring the revenue obtained can be ploughed back into conservation (5). Two of the most at-risk subspecies, O. a. hodgsonii and O. a. nigrimontana, are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (3).