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Tian Shan Argali Sheep

Please note the Tian Shan Argali can not be imported into the U.S. at this time.

Similar to the Marco Polo, but with a tighter curled and thicker horn, the Tian Shan Argali (Ovis amon kerelini) is also called Argali del Tian Shan, and Argali du Tian Shan. The Tian Shan argali category is divided into two races: heinsii and karelini. The karelini was described from the Ala Tau range north of Lake Issyk Kul in northeastern Kyrgyzstan and southeastern Kazakhstan, and eastward in the Tian Shan range in Xinjiang, China. The winter coat has light brown upper parts that lighten gradually to the diffuse, grayish-brown rump patch. The yellowish-white belly is separated from the flanks by a wide dark line. A dark dorsal line runs from shoulders to loins. The neck mane is white, shaded with grayish-brown.

Tian Shan Argali hunting takes place in Kyrgyzstan. The hunter has to be in reasonably good physical condition, although usually horse riding is involved on this hunt. Hunting takes place at the altitudes of 10,000 feet and higher. The Tian Shan Argali is distributed on the northern flanks of the Tian Shan mountain range in northeast Kyrgyzstan and southeast Kazakhstan. The easiest time to spot these animals is in winter when they come down from the high mountains to search for food.