Sheep
Sheep comprise several wild species as well as all the breeds of the familiar domestic sheep. Wild sheep prefer rocky or mountainous habitats, and run to higher ground when threatened.
Species
Argali sheep (ammon)Argalis are the world's largest sheep and their dramatic spiralling corkscrew horns mean they are also a big hunter’s prize. During winter, the usually segregated sexes descend from the heights of their summer grazing grounds up on the Tibetan Plateau, for example, and convene to begin the rut.
Dall sheep (dalli)Dall Sheep are found in the northwest of North America. For the most part they are alpine animals that relying on the steep cliffs and rugged outcrops of mountainous areas to escape predators.
About
Ovis is a genus of mammals. Its five or more highly gregarious species are known as sheep. The domestic sheep is one member of the genus, and is thought to be descended from the wild mouflon of central and southwest Asia. Ovis is part of the goat-antelope subfamily of the ruminant Bovidae.
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Scientific Classification
Order: Even-toed ungulate (Artiodactyla)
Genus: Ovis
Other Bovidae
- Connochaetes (species: Blue wildebeest)
- Ibex and goats (Capra)
- Procapra (species: Mongolian gazelle)
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