Structural and functional organization of the population of Kazakh argali (Ovis ammon collium Severtzov,1873) in the central part of the Kazakh upland

A comprehensive assessment of the state and population structure of one of the most vulnerable subspecies of mountain sheep in Central Asia - Kazakhstan argali is given. It is shown that the average density of argali on the territory of the Kazakh Upland is 0.28 ± 0.02 OC/km2. Direct dependences of density on the area and height of mountain ranges are noted that is defined by their best fodder and protective properties. In the population of all mountain ranges adult females dominate (in an average 44.28 ± 3.07), the number of males older than 2 years and juveniles is approximately equal (23.52 ± 2.58 % and 21.00 ± 3.82 %, respectively), the smallest age-sex group are one-year-old animals (of 9.33 ± 0.62 %). Males live up to 15 years, while females up to 18 years due to selective shooting. The share of males in the population begins to decline sharply from the 4-year cluster. Relatively high rates of specific mortality are typical for juveniles and animals of older age groups, the lowest - for young animals aged 1-4 years. The parameters of the structural organization of the population of Kazakhstan argali are in close relationship with each other and reflect the current state of populations in specific environmental conditions. Natural causes that form and support a certain structural organization of each local group are associated with the fodder and protective conditions of the territory. Currently, the complex of factors of anthropogenic nature have a determining influence on the population- trophy hunting, poaching, steppe fires, grazing of domestic animals, etc.