The genome of the Marco Polo Sheep (Ovis ammon polii)

The Marco Polo Sheep (Ovis ammon polii), a subspecies of argali (Ovis ammon) which is distributed mainly in the Pamir Mountains, provides a mammalian model in which to study high-altitude adaptation mechanisms. Due to over-hunting and subsistence poaching, as well as competition with livestock and habitat loss, O. ammon has been categorized as an endangered species on several lists. Hence measures for its conservation and restoration are needed, and its genome could be very useful for a comprehensive conservation strategy.