Argali  (Ovis ammon)

The argali is the largest of the wild sheep, and the males have impressive horns that are highly prized by hunters (2). Currently 9 different subspecies are recognised, which vary both in their appearance and in their range (1)(2). In general, argalis have a light brown coat with white legs and a white rump patch (4). Although both sexes have horns, those of the male are much larger and more impressive; they can be up to 13% of the males' body mass (4). The corkscrew horns wind forwards and are of a formidable weight; those of mature Altai argali (Ovis ammon ammon) males weigh 20 - 22 kg (4). Males also have a ruff of white hair around the neck and a pronounced crest along the back, which adds to their impressive appearance (2).