Snow Sheep (Ovis nivicola)

The snow sheep is an endemit of Russia. It is most closely related to the North American Bighorn Sheep and Dall’s Sheep, with which they are being pooled to form the Thinhorn Sheep.

Names

English: Snow Sheep [3], Siberian Bighorn Sheep, Northeast Asiatic Thinhorned Sheep [5]

French: Mouflon des neiges [3]

German: Schneeschaf [3]

Russian: Снежный баран (wikipedia)

Spanish: Carnero nival [3], Oveja de las nieves [5]

Jakut: Tschubuku, tschubukun [5]

„nivicola“ meaning „snow dwelling“ [1]

Taxonomy

Ovis nivicola (Eschscholtz, 1829)

Type locality: Kamchatka Peninsula

Subspecies

Many Russian authors recognize five subspecies [2]:

O. n. nivicola Eschscholtz, 1929 (Kamchatka)

O. n. borealis Severtzov, 1873 (Taimyr)

O. n. alleni Matschie, 1907 (East Siberia, Yablonovy and Stanovoy Ridges, to Verkhoyansky Ridge in the north)

O. n. lydekkeri Kowarzik, 1913 (northeastern Siberia, from Lena River in the west to Stanovoy Ridge in the east, and Verkhoyansky Ridge in the south)

O. n. koriakorum Tschernyavsky, 1962 (Chukchi Peninsula and Koryak District)

Groves and Grubb (2011) recognize seven subspecies: O. n. nivicola, alleni, lydekkeri, borealis, tschuktchorum, koriakorum, kodarensis, but state that subspecies status is „rather weak“. [4] Wilson and Mittermeier (2011) and Damm and Franco (2014) list four subspecies, for which further subdivisions have partially been mentioned.

In 2018 Dotsev et al. proposed to classify the Kharaulakh Snow Sheep as a separate subspecies. [7]

Putorana Snow Sheep (O. n. borealis), Severtzov, 1873

Yakut Snow Sheep (O. n. lydekkeri), Kowarzik, 1913 – (including the putative subspecies alleni, kodarensis, potanini and tschuktschorum)

Koryak Snow Sheep (O. n. koriakorum), Chernyavsky, 1962

Kamchatka Snow Sheep (O. n. nivicola) Eschscholtz, 1829

Kharaulakh Snow Sheep (O. n. ssp.)

Distribution

The Snow Sheep occurs solely in Siberia, Russia. It occurs in the boreal and to a small extent also in the polar regions from central and southeastern Siberia to the Far East of Russia, namely Kamchatka and Chukotka. The entire Snow Sheep distribution area covers at least 500.000 km². The Putorana Snow Sheep is the westernmost species and restricted to the Putorana Mountains south of the Taimyr Peninsula. From there the next Snow Sheep population starts more than 1.000 km further east. The distribution ranges of the Putorana, Koryak and Kamchatka Snow Sheep types are in principle clear and undisputed. The subdivision of the Yakut snow sheep range remains unclear. [1]

How Snow Sheep and North American Sheep evolved

Snow Sheep are closely related to North American sheep (Dall- and Stone Sheep, Rocky Mountain- and Desert Bighorn Sheep.) Therefore they are all put into one genetic group, the Thinhorn sheep (Pachyceriforms).

There are two principal hypotheses suggesting a possible origin of the Thinhorns. Both hypotheses are based on the fact that during iceage enough of the earth’s water became frozen to cause a drop in sea level and subsequently Beringia (the land between Eastern Siberia and Alaska) became a continuous landmass.

1. „Born“ in Beringia. Cowan (1940) postulated that the Thinhorns evolved solely within Beringia and that Dall Sheep, Stone Sheep and Bighorn Sheep evolved from a Snow-Sheep-like ancestor during a process of east- and southward migration, and by isolation from glacial and interglacial barriers (sea level rise).
2. Come as „Argali“, gone as Thinhorn. In contrast Severtzov (1873) suggested that the Thinhorns arose as a consequence of “reverse migration.” Severtzov’s hypothesis states that the first North American wild sheep to traverse the Bering land bridge was Argali-like. After their isolation in North America by glacial ice or the interglacial Bering Strait, they evolved characteristics unique to the Thinhorns. A lowered sea level due to reglaciation permitted the Thinhorns to migrate back across the land bridge into northeastern Siberia. Sea levels then rose from glacial melt, giving rise to present day Snow Sheep in Siberia with the isolation of the North American sheep. [6]

General discription

length / head-body: 136-188 cm (males), 126-156 cm (females) [3]

shoulder height: 93-107 cm (males), 90-94 cm (females) [3]

weight: 56-105 kg (males); 33-68 kg (females) [3]; about the same mass as North American Thinhorns [1]

body: relatively large, solid [1], compact, relatively short legs – adapted to live in steep, rocky terrain [3]

head: short and wide – compared to Dall and Bighorn Sheep [1]

horn length: 69-93 cm (males); 23-27,5 cm (females) [3], do not exceed 35 cm [1]

horn basal circumference: 25-36 cm (males), 12-12,4 cm (females)

tail length: 9,5-13 cm (males), 7,5-13 cm (females) [3]

maximum longevity: 18 years

diploid chromosome number: 52 [1, 3] – which is unique to holarctic wild sheep; North American sheep: 54; Argali: 56 [1]

Coloration

The pelage color of Snow Sheep seems to be subject to a seasonal shift: Usually coats are darkest immediately after summer. In the course of the severe and long winter months the hair color becomes progressively lighter. Towards spring, after molt, the short-haired coats show a whitish-gray. Otherwise the pelage color appears to be also conditioned by the age of the animal and by habitat. [1]

white on head: forehead, space between horns, occiput (back of head) [3], muzzle

nose bridge: a transverse band across the nose can be either dark [3] or whitish [1]

other possible white areas: back of limbs [1], groin, axillae (armpit) [3], belly (but maybe not in all subspecies) [1]

dark line along spine: visible [3] – also in winter?

rump patch: clearly defined below the base of tail [3] – in winter and summer.

The only convincing detailed description – with distinguishing between winter and summer coat – has been made for the Kamchatka Snow Sheep and is reproduced here further down.

Horns

Horns are homonymous, smooth and keeled prominently on the outer edges. The cross section is roundish, as compared to the triangular form found in argali. Horn color varies from light amber to dark brown. Snow sheep horns are on average shorter and of smaller circumference at the bases than those of comparable North American forms. Horn lengths in excess of 101,6 cm are rare. The longest horn recorded (from Kamchatka) measured 111,8 cm. The median base circumference over all snow sheep races is 34,4 cm. The Kamchatka race has, on average, the largest base circumference. For comparison: The largest recorded horn dimensions of Dall’s and Stone’s Sheep reach 124 cm and 130 cm respectively; circumferences in excess of 38 cm have been frequently recorded. [1]

Similar species

The Snow Sheep is related to Dall Sheep (O. dalli) and Bighorn Sheep (O. canadensis) from North America, but they form a strongly distinct species. To take just two differences: The scull of Snow Sheep is significantly wider in the orbits, compared to the two North American species. And unlike the North American species the white rump-patch in Snow Sheep does not extend onto the back above the base of the tail. In contrast to Argalis, Snow Sheep have short limbs [4], which is said to be an adaption to precipitous rather than rolling or plateau habitats.

Habitat

Snow Sheep are found in or near steep terrain. They occur at elevations from sea level to over 1800 m in different habitats ranging from marine coastal escarpments (just up to 300 m above sea level), precipitous terrain in river valleys, tundra, boreal forests (with scattered larch trees (Larix spp.) and tall shrubs) and within rather low mountain ranges. Winter temperatures within the distribution range can be as low as -60°C. (1, 3)

Mortality / Predators

Heavy snows and icy conditions can result in heavy mortalities during winter because Snow Sheep are then unable to obtain forage. (1, 3) This affects the survival rates of all age classes, but especially lambs and yearlings. The conditions are less severe for snow sheep with access to feeding grounds in boreal forest belts, like the Putorana Plateau or the Stanovoy Mountains on the southeastern fringes of the lydekkeri distribution range. [1]

The major predator of Snow Sheep is the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus). In the Putoran Mountains, 62 percent of wolf scats in summer and 4,8 percent in winter had Snow Sheep remains. Lamb mortality during the first year of life is 30-50 percent. Predators, that are not significant, are: Wolverine (Gulo gulo), Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), and large raptors. [3]

Food and feeding

The principal food of Snow Sheep is gras, with an increase in browse, including willow shoots, in winter. They also feed on mosses, lichens, and fungi. They dig with their hooves in snow to search for forage. [3] Climatic conditions in Northeast Siberia may lead to extreme forage scarcity due to ice crusting on snow or ground. [1]

Breeding

sexual maturity reached: 1,5-2,5 years (females), 1,5 years (males), but most males do not mate until they are 4-5 years old [3]

mating: November-December [3] – under extremely severe weather conditions, when daylight lasts only 4-5 hours and temperatures drop as low as -55°C. [1]

gestation: 170-180 days [3]

parturition: May-June [3]

young per birth: 1; highest twinning rate: 5 percent [3]

Activity patterns

Snow sheep are principally diurnal. [3]

Movements, home range, social organisation

Detailed studies of movements and home ranges have not been conducted. In Yakutia, seasonal movements of 50-120 km may occur. In some cases, movements are undertaken to locate areas with less snow cover. There are three kinds of herds: those composed of females with newborns and yearlings; those of young males; and groups of adult males. Occasionally single older males are seen. A study in Kamchatka recorded the following herd composition: 12 percent were single animals, 39 percent were 2-3 animals, 26 percent were 4-6 animals, 18 percent 7-10 animals, and 5 percent were 11-22 animals. [3]

Status and Conservation: threats / measures

Classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. [2] As of the mid 1980s, the total Snow Sheep population over the entire distribution area throughout Siberia was estimated at between 87.000 and 96.000. As of 2014 the total number was extrapolated at 59.770-67.600. [1] (For more detailed figures check the „subspecies“ entry further down.)

In the 1970s, about 5.000 Snow Sheep (per year?) were shot for food and pelts. Illegal hunting mortality is currently not usally significant. [3] The numbers of the Putorana Snow Sheep have been reported to be increasing. In contrast, total numbers and population densities for Yakut- and Kamchatka Snow Sheep appear to have dropped. In general Snow Sheep population densities decrease in the peripheral parts of the distribution ranges. Densities also seem to be much lower in up- and lowland topography compared to mountain landscapes. [1]

There is a need to establish a Snow Sheep monitoring program and to expand the number of protected areas. In areas where Snow Sheep have been extirpated, efforts should be made to reestablish populations. [3]

Trophy hunting

For the Putorana Snow Sheep hunting is only allowed by special permit. Hunting of other subspecies is possible, but there are objections concerning monitoring and (missing) management plans. On the other side sustainable trophy hunting is seen as a means to loosen the pressure of subsistence hunting on Snow Sheep. [1]

Ecotourism

presumably negligible (see subspecies entries)

Literature Cited

[1] Damm, Gerhard R. and Franco, Nicolás, 2014: The CIC Caprinae Atlas of the World – CIC International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation, Budakeszi, Hungary in cooperation with Rowland Ward Publications RSA (Pty) Ltd., Johannesburg, South Africa.

[2] Harris, R.B. & Tsytsulina. K. 2008. Ovis nivicola. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T15740A5076357. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T15740A5076357.en. Downloaded on 13 February 2017.

[3] Wilson, D.E. and Mittermeier, R.A. [eds], 2011: Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Vol. 2. Hoofed Mammals. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

[4] Groves, Colin and Grubb, Peter, 2011: Ungulate Taxonomy. The John Hopkins University Press.

[5] Castelló, José R., 2016: Bovids of the World – Antelopes, Gazelles, Cattle, Goats, Sheep, and Relatives. Princton University Press.

[6] Bunch, T. D.; Wu, C.; Zhang, Y.-P; Wang, S., 2005: Phylogenetic Analysis of Snow Sheep (Ovis nivicola) and Closely Related Taxa. Journal of Heredity, Volume 97, Issue 1, January/February 2006. https://academic.oup.com/jhered/issue/97/1

[7] Dotsev, AV; Deniskova, TE; Okhlopkov, IM, et al., 2018: Genome-wide SNP analysis unveils genetic structure and phylogeographic history of snow sheep (Ovis nivicola) populations inhabiting the Verkhoyansk Mountains and Momsky Ridge (northeastern Siberia). Ecol Evol. 2018; 00:1–1