Urial

Ovis vignei

 

The urial is one of the six currently recognized species of wild sheep worldwide. Urials have 58 chromosomes, a white bib, and may or may not have a saddle patch (white, black or two-colored) in the winter coat. Males have a distinct white rump patch and a black or white ruff on the front of the neck in winter coat. Horns (both sexes) are comparatively slender. Females grow short, thin horns. There are several subspecies (plus hybrids—see red sheep), one of which—the Afghan urial (Ovis vignei cycloceros)—has been introduced on private land in the U.S.

 

The taxonomy and nomenclature of urials used in this book follow Valdez and Nadler (in press).

 

 

Afghan Urial

Ovis vignei cycloceros

 

Urial del Afganistan (Sp), Afghanischer Urialschaf (G), Urial du Afghanistan (F). Sometimes called Turkmen urial.

 

DESCRIPTION (male) Shoulder height about 32 inches (81 cm). Females are smaller.

 

Overall color varies from reddish-buff to yellowish-brown. Rump patch and underparts are white, the face a bluish-gray. Rams have a white bib, long black ruff on front of neck and a small black saddle spot in the winter coat. The horns are homonymous, triangular in cross section, and strongly wrinkled. The longest recorded horns measured 41-1/2 inches (105 cm) (Rowland Ward, 1909). Females have small, straight horns.

 

DISTRIBUTION Private ranches in Texas.

 

REMARKS The Afghan urial is native to mountain areas in parts of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

 

The Afghan urial is either known or believed to crossbreed, or to be the result of hybridization, when in a game ranch environment. Please see the full statement on hybridization of ranched animals on page 464.