Mammals
Argali
Ovis ammon · also called Marco Polo sheep
Carrying horns massive enough to weigh nearly as much as the rest of its skeleton, an argali holds the title of the largest wild sheep in the world, grazing high mountain slopes and plateau grassland across Central Asia.
Overview
The argali, Ovis ammon, is the largest wild sheep species, native to high mountain and plateau habitat across Central Asia. Its record-setting size, dramatically curling horns on males, and adaptation to high-altitude open terrain make it one of the most physically imposing wild sheep species found anywhere in the world.
Horns built to be seen from a distance
The argali’s massive curling horns serve as more than just a weapon in male competitions, functioning as a visible signal of size and strength across the open mountain terrain the species calls home, where confrontations can often be avoided simply by comparing horn size at a distance.
Status
Near Threatened, with populations declining across parts of Central Asia due to hunting, habitat loss, and livestock competition.
Argali: common questions
How big are the argali's horns?
Male argali grow massive, tightly curling horns that can weigh nearly as much as the rest of the animal's skeleton combined, among the most impressive horn structures of any wild sheep species.
Is the argali really the largest wild sheep?
Yes, this species is the largest wild sheep alive, with males considerably larger and heavier than those of any other wild sheep species found anywhere in the world.
Do female argali have horns like males?
Yes, but female argali have noticeably shorter, less dramatically curved horns compared to the enormous curling horns carried by males of the species.
Where does the argali live?
This species is native to high mountain and plateau habitat spanning a wide range across Central Asia, favouring open terrain at considerable elevation.