From the editor: "There is no one more widely known and better described than Marco Polo's argali (polii) of all the wild sheep in the world. The world learned about that wild sheep seven centuries ago, after the outstanding journey of Marco Polo along the "silk Road" of Kublai Khan. Marco Polo's report about that legendary animal with its extraordinary horns was considered a figment of fantasy, devoid of scientific basis.” This is how James L. Clark presents the famous Pamir argali to his readers.
Indeed, Marco Polo's argali is not only an outstanding hunting trophy, but the most elegant animal of its kind. The sheep lives in extremely inaccessible mountainous areas at high altitudes (it is possible to detect Marco Polo argali below 3000 meters above sea level only in exceptional cases). At first glance, its habitats are dry and completely barren territories. It becomes clear that it is not easy to even see this sheep, let alone take a picture. Therefore, our editorial office considers a great luck to have a unique photo report made in the Pamir mountains by Yuri Mathison, the main character of which is Argali Marco Polo.
A careful look will find in the pictures not only landscapes typical of the surroundings of Lake Karakol and sheep themselves, but also pay attention to the indispensable companions of argali – a wolf, a bear, and a raven. It seems incredible that the photographer managed to capture what and how the sheep eat. These dry blades of grass are enough for the animal not only to overwinter, but also to climb into the very heavens, fight with other males during "knightly" tournaments, "make love" with the chosen one or escape from dangerous predators.
Of particular interest are large pictures of an animal with giant horns, which Yuri photographed a few years ago and then got. These horns would have become champion, regardless of the measurement system, if Yuri had declared his trophy to one or another trophy evaluation commission. But he gave us the opportunity to see this unique ram still alive.
