The Status of Nepal's Mammals: The National Red List Series - IUCN

LEAST CONCERN
20) Pseudois nayaur (Hodgson, 1833)
Common Names
Blue Sheep (English); Naur (Nepali)
Species Description
Adult rams are dark brown, black on the chest and
front of the legs depending on the season.
Underparts and back of legs are white. Both sexes
grow horns which grow upwards and diagonally.
Species Ecology
Blue Sheep inhabit a variety of habitats including
open grassy slopes in high mountains and can be
found near cliffs, feeding on shrubs and
herbaceous plants.
Rutting takes place during November to January
with births occurring May to June after a gestation
period of 160 days. Age at first reproduction is
around 18 months. Blue sheep can live up to 15
years.
Conservation Status
Global: Least Concern
National: Least Concern
Rationale for assessment: This species is considered
Least Concern in view of its wide distribution and
assumed large population.
Legal Status
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029
(1973)
National Population Size
Total: > 10,000 (estimated)
It is difficult to estimate a population for Nepal as
studies have been carried out at different times
and localities, rather than a single nationwide
assessment. However, the national population
is expected to be greater than 10,000 individuals
and likely to be stable or increasing. Previous total
population estimates for this species range from
1,947 to 10,000 individuals. The global population
is estimated to be between 47,000 and 414,000
individuals.
National Distribution
This species is distributed in the Himalayan and
Trans-Himalayan area and along the northern
border of Nepal between elevations of 2,400 m
and 6,000 m. Species have been recorded within
Annapurna Conservation Area, Arun Valley,
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Kanchanjunga
Conservation Area, Lamabagar, Lapche, Manaslu
Conservation Area and Shey-Phoksundo National
Park.
Distribution outside Nepal
Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Pakistan.
Main Threats
• Poaching, as trophy hunting for horns.
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