THE TERRITORIAL DISTRIBUTION AND NUMBERS OF THE SIBERIAN IBEX <i>(CAPRA SIBIRICA) </i>IN THE NEAR-YENISEI PART OF THE WEST SAYAN
In the 20th century, both the distribution area and numbers of the Siberian ibex decreased considerabtly in the near-Yenisei part of the West Sayan, Siberia After filling the Sayano-Shushensky Reservoir with water, the distribution area became disrupted into three territorial groups: the Usinsk, the Urbansky and the protected left-bank. Currently the area totals 89000 hectares, and the numbers 3000 animals. The population density is higher in the steppe areas of mountain slopes not accessible to the wolf of the rock, coupled with available closed shelters, forest or high shrubs, and relatively safe drinking places. The sex and age composition is usual for the species: males ~30-35%, females ~45-50%, young ~20%. The largest flocks are formed during spring and amount to 500-600 individuals. In summer, most of the males and females stay separated. The herds consisting of females and their young are composed of up to 80 individuals. In October to early November, mating games start while the animals form mixed herds numbering 7-15 individuals. The most conservative both in composition and size are the herds of females with the young joined for a short time by males of different age groups. In general, the Siberian ibex population in the near-Yenisei part of the West Sayan is presently in a stable condition, the human impact being minimal.