Definition

Noun: 1. A large wild sheep of Central Asia: The Marco Polo sheep is a subspecies of argali (Ovis ammon polii) native to the high mountains of Central Asia, particularly the Pamir region. It is renowned for having the longest horns of any sheep species, which form a massive, spiraling curl.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Spotting a herd of Marco Polo sheep on the remote slopes of the Pamirs is a rare and thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • The magnificent, curling horns of the Marco Polo sheep can span over 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the habitat of the Marco Polo sheep from poaching and habitat loss.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in zoological, conservation, and big-game hunting contexts. It is named after the Venetian explorer Marco Polo, who described the animal in his travel accounts.
• "Marco Polo sheep" is typically used as a compound noun. The plural form is Marco Polo sheep (unchanged).

Variants and Related Words

• Argali (): The general species name for the wild sheep of central Asia, of which the Marco Polo sheep is a specific subspecies.
• Ovis ammon polii: The scientific (taxonomic) name for the Marco Polo sheep.

Synonyms

• Pamir argali
• Marco Polo's argali

Related Phrases

• To hunt Marco Polo sheep: Refers to the regulated (trophy hunting) or illegal (poaching) pursuit of this animal, which is a topic of conservation debate.
  • Strict quotas govern the limited permits to hunt Marco Polo sheep in certain areas.

Noun

1. Asiatic wild sheep with exceptionally large horns; sometimes considered a variety of the argali (or Ovis ammon)