ANIMAL HIGHLIGHT

 Iranian Red Sheep (Ovis gmelini x Ovis vignei), a naturally occurring hybrid between the Armenian Mouflon and the Transcaspian Urial. Key Characteristics

• Origin: Native to the Alborz Mountains of northern Iran.
• Appearance: They possess a light brown to reddish-brown coat with a white underbelly and often feature a white "saddle patch" on their sides.
• Horns: Rams have large, impressive horns that generally sweep out and back behind the neck, though the exact configuration can vary due to their hybrid nature.
• Behavior: They are known for being extremely skittish and sure-footed in rocky, high-altitude terrain. 

Global Presence

• Wild Populations: Their primary wild habitat remains in the mountainous regions of Iran.
• Introduced Populations: They have been successfully introduced to private ranches in the United States, particularly in the Texas Hill Country where they are popular for year-round trophy hunting.