Blue Sheep

The blue sheep, or bharal, is a stocky mountain ungulate with stout legs, robust shoulders, and a broad chest. Its short coat varies from gray-brown to slate blue, blending effectively with blue-gray rock. A dark lateral stripe separates the upper body from the white flanks. Both sexes have horns, but those of males are longer and sweep outward, backward, and upward; females have shorter horns and a gray rather than black body stripe. (Animal Diversity Web)

Blue sheep occupy open mountains, desert slopes, and cliff country across the Tibetan Plateau and neighboring highlands, generally avoiding forests. They occur from about 1,200 to 6,000 m and use cliffs as escape terrain. Gregarious herds may contain from five to several hundred animals. Their diet changes seasonally: dry grasses dominate in winter, while alpine grasses, shrubs, forbs, and occasional twigs are eaten during warmer months. (Animal Diversity Web)