Altai argali ( Ovis ammon ammon ) Surveys in Siilkhemiin Nuruu National Park of Mongolia

Abstract

A preliminary survey of ar gali distribution and population structure in Siilkhemiin Nuruu National Park from November 22-25, 2001, documented 238 ar gali in 12 distinct groups over four observation days. Of the 225 ar gali characterized, 29 adult males, 138 adult females, and 58 lambs were recorded. Mean group size was 20.0 (range 1-1 19, s.d. 34.0), with a lamb to female ratio of 42:100, and male to female ratio of 21:100. Additionally , important winter forage areas were delineated for planning future argali management ef forts within the park. Increased cooperation between Mongolian and Russian governments and protected area administrations is necessary for the creation of more detailed monitoring and management programs for the transboundary ar gali populations of the Sailugem and Chikhacheva mountains.

Keywords

• argali
• conservation
• management
• Mongolia