Abundance, population structure and seasonally changing social organization of argali Ovis ammon karelini in West-Central Tian-Shan of Kyrgyzstan

The main aim of this study was to determine the numbers, population structure and seasonal changes in group structure of argali Ovis ammon karelini Severtzov, 1873 in the Tian-Shan of Kyrgyzstan. The study was carried out within two adjoining areas: the Baralbas River region, and the Ak-Tash River region. Data were collected during three seasons: winter, spring and summer. This population consisted of 42.3% females, 22.2% males, 13.4% yearlings, and 22.1% lambs. Composition and numbers of groups were seasonally changing. Argali occurred predominantly in mixed groups during winter and exclusively in separated groups during summer. The maximum group size decreased from 25% from winter to spring, however, increased during summer.