Mongolian and Russian scientistshave joined up to count the number of endangered argali which inhabits the Altai-Soyon mountain range.  The number of the argali, which is registered on the Endangered Species List, has declined every year. The counting process of argali in the 8,000 km2 area will run for 21 days starting next week.

Argali is under threat of extinction due to widespread commercial hunting of the animal because of theirlarge, curved horn. In 2003, argali decreased to 13,000 in contrast to1975 when there were 50,000 argali in Mongolia. Scientists and local residents say that the number of argali declined because of illegal hunting and natural disasters.

Herders claim that argali herds used to cover the mountains in the past but now they complain there are no signs of argali in the area.