Preliminary observations on the distribution and status of dwarf blue sheep Pseudois schaeferi

Abstract

AbstractDwarf blue sheep Pseudois schaeferi are known to survive only in Batang County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. According to the results of a survey between 19 November and 21 December 1997, the species has declined steeply in both range and numbers since the 1950s and 1960s because of excessive hunting. The survey found that dwarf blue sheep were concentrated on steep cliffs between 2700 and 3200 m. In the area near Batang, the species's range was estimated to cover 295 sq km and the population to number c. 200 individuals. The average group size was 6.2 individuals, with a male: female ratio of 67.7:100. The authors recommend that the species be included in Class I of the National List of Protected Animals in China.