Location
Eastern Kazakhstan, where it is found throughout the Karaganda Region, extending westward and northward into Akmola, northward into Pavlodar, and eastward into Semey (Semipalatinsk) regions. Stops short of the Tarbagatay Mountains and, therefore, does not mix with the Sair argali. This argali occupies lower, more arid country than most argalis.
Description
Similar to Tian Shan argali in body size and shape, but has minor skull differences and horns. Coloration is dark brown above, separated from the white belly by a dark flank band. There is a creamy white neck ruff that blends into the darker body hair and a distinct white rump patch that does not extend above the root of the tail. Tail is long, with a dark tip. There are dark stripes down the front of the hind legs, but not always down the front legs. Head is darker than the neck, with a dark facial mask.
Remarks
A spectacular argali which is well-managed and has a stable population. The last surveys (mid-1990’s) indicated there were 10,000 animals and increasing. This argali is geographically isolated from all other argali species.
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