Argali Ecology in Ikh Nar tyn Chuluu Natur e Reserve: Pr eliminar y Findings

Abstract

Little is known about the ecology of ar gali ( Ovis ammon ), a species listed as threatened in Mongolia and internationally . We initiated research to better understand the species’ ecology and develop a conservation plan for the species. Here we report on preliminary finding from a radio telemetry study of argali ecology . We captured and radio collared 22 ar gali, using drive nets, lamb captures, and darting from 2000-2003. Eight collared animals have died: 2 due to capture techniques, 4 from predation, 1 from starvation and exposure, and 1 of unknown (not predation) causes. We collected 633 locations on the 22 argali through September 2003, but acquired suf ficient data for analyses for only 12 animals thus far . Animals primarily restricted their movements to the northern portion of Ikh Nartyn Chuluu Nature Reserve, and have not exhibited seasonal movement patterns. Mean home ranges were 47.46 ±4.21 km 2 (Range = 29.96 – 75.00 km 2 ) using the 100% minimum convex polygon method, with smaller areas of predicted occurrence (62.03 ±4.84 km 2 for 95% kernel, 23.76 ±3.96 km 2 for 75% kernel and 9.36 ±1.61 km 2 for 50% kernel home ranges). Predation by domestic dogs, previously unrecorded was an important early finding of our work.

Keywords

• Ar gali
• conservation
• Gobi
• home range
• Mongolia