Marco Polo Sheep

Photo By: Beth Wald via Wildlife Conservation Society

The world's largest species of sheep, the Marco Polo sheep, ranges widely across Afghanistan, Tajikistan and China, according to a genetic analysis of its poop by the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Studying dropping might sound odd, but scientists say it gives them a means of answering questions about the species without disturbing them, and without trying to follow them across difficult terrain in the Pamir Mountains.

Scientists say their findings suggest the three nations need to cooperate on conserving land used by the sheep to migrate. A threatened species, Marco Polo sheep are endangered by poaching and habitat loss.

Other recent Wildlife Conservation Research in Afghanistan has related to snow leopards, the large billed reed warbler and the stunning Hazarchishma natural bridge.

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