Threatened species of Ovis orientalis severtzovi

Trophy hunting is a major threat to Ovis orientalis severtzovi.

O. orientalis severtzovi is endemic to Uzbekistan, where it is a nationally protected species. It occurs primarily in the Nuratinskiy zapovednik (nature reserve) where its numbers are estimated at 1700- 2200. This consists of around 70% of the world's population.

Officially, hunting of Ovis orientalis severtzovi in the zapovednik (nature reserves) is not permitted, however the government of Uzbekistan began allowing foreign hunters to hunt in these reserves in 1992 with an annual quota of five Severtzov's urials. This was reduced to two in 1995. Trophies of the animal can fetch up to US $10,000-20,000.

The IUCN considers O. orientalis severtzovi as "Endangered" on the Red List for Threatened Species. CITES lists the species as "Appendix 1".