AMUR-HEILONG RIVER BASIN
AMUR-HEILONG RIVER BASIN |
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All chapters: Species diversity and use of biological resources |
Species diversity and use of biological resources |
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Snow sheep |
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Small, isolated populations of snow sheep (Ovis nivicola potanini) inhabit the Stanovoy and Dzhugzhur ranges of the Trans-Baikal Bald Mountain Tundra. The main habitat for snow sheep is in the alpine belt from 1,600 to 2,200 meters above sea level, mostly on sunny slopes with abundant cliffs. In winter, snow sheep migrate down to the upper forest belt, made up primarily of dark coniferous species such as fir. Expeditions to study snow sheep populations in the Stanovoy Range were led in 1991-1992 and in 2001. The results show that snow sheep density is still high – up to 16.5 animals per km2 of suitable habitat. The total number of this isolated population is estimated at 350-500 head. For many years the only threat to snow sheep here was occasional hunting from nomadic Evenki, indigenous reindeer herders. In 2001, however, construction of a new railroad began across the Stanovoy Range to connect a huge coal deposit at Tokko Lake in Yakutia with the Baikal-Amur Railway. Thousands of construction workers and numerous cross-country vehicles and helicopters now pose a serious threat to the survival of these small populations of snow sheep. When finished, the railroad will open the gate for many people to colonize and otherwise exploit this remote region.
Hunter with a sheep. Stanovoy Range. (Photo by S.Titova)
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