“Ungulate” comes from Latin and simply describes mammals with hooves. Ibex, gazelles, camels and musk deer are all ungulates found in snow leopard range. Our researchers have identified three of these ungulates as the most crucial prey for snow leopards: ibex, argali and bharal. These majestic, mountain-dwelling goat and sheep species are often referred to as mountain monarchs and are characterized by their herbivorous diets, cloven hooves, and large horns.
Studying mountain ungulates is a critical component of protecting snow leopards, as these hoofed (hooved?) animals are the primary prey across their range. A healthy population of wild ungulates is one of the most critical signs that a given area can support a stable population of snow leopards. While they may not seem as glamorous as a magnificent big cat, these unassuming mammals are a favorite among many of our scientists and researchers and are an important part of the landscape and human history.
In the entire animal world, if there is one group of animals that most significantly impacted the course of human civilization, it is perhaps these largely unsung denizens of the high mountains. They fundamentally restructured ancient human societies and set them off on the path that defined who we are today. – Charu Mishra, Executive Director
That’s quite the praise for sheep and goats! However, with billions of people around the world, both today and throughout history, dependent on livestock for their livelihood, we believe it’s justified. So, how much do you know about the ungulates that have shaped human history? Test your hoof and horn knowledge and share your score with us in the comments! (answers revealed at the end)
Results
We hope you learned a little more about ungulates from this quiz! If snow leopards are the charismatic stars of the high mountain stage, ungulates are the toiling crew behind the curtain. Snow leopards get the attention, ungulates get eaten. But the preeminent naturalist George Schaller didn’t call them mountain monarchs for nothing. We know snow leopards will always be the main attraction, but these ungulates deserve the spotlight once in a while.
Check your answers below and share the results in the comments.
We hope you learned a little more about ungulates from this quiz! If snow leopards are the charismatic stars of the high mountain stage, ungulates are the toiling crew behind the curtain. Snow leopards get the attention, ungulates get eaten. But the preeminent naturalist George Schaller didn’t call them mountain monarchs for nothing. We know snow leopards will always be the main attraction, but these ungulates deserve the spotlight once in a while.
Check your answers below and share the results in the comments.
#1. Which of the following mammals is not an ungulate?
#2. Can you identify this mountain monarch by its crown? Hint: our researchers are currently tracking this ungulate alongside snow leopards in Tost, Mongolia.
#3. Can you identify this mountain monarch by its crown? Hint: this is the national animal of Pakistan.
#4. Can you identify this mountain monarch by its crown? Hint: it’s also known as a blue sheep.
#5. Can you identify this mountain monarch by its crown? Hint: it’s the largest species of wild sheep in the world.
#6. Which of the following are threats to mountain ungulates? (select all that apply)
Select all that apply:
#7. True or False: Mountain ungulates typically anticipate danger from below, giving snow leopards an advantage when stalking their prey from above.
Luckily, snow leopards are quite good climbers
#8. True or False: Ibex, argali and other wild goats and sheep are solitary, making them easy targets for snow leopards and other predators.
Every species of wild sheep and goat found in Asia’s high mountains travels in herds.
#9. True or False: Female goats and sheep do not have cranial appendages.
Males and females can both have horns, though the horns of females are often smaller and sometimes of a different shape.
#10. True or False: Domestic ungulates outnumber wild ungulates across snow leopard range
Domestic livestock can outcompete wild ungulates for food and cause overgrazing. Effective pasture management is essential to ensure that all ungulates can graze and thrive in the mountains.
#11. In Mongolia, ungulates outnumber people by a considerable margin. Which of the following common ungulates do not outnumber the Mongolian people?
#12. What are the three most important ungulate species in relation to snow leopard diet? Hint: read the intro!
#13. Bonus question: You decide, hooved or hoofed?
Photo credits: Behzad Larry, Snow Leopard Trust, SLCF-Mongolia, SLF-Kyrgyzstan, SLF-Pakistan, NCF-India