Ovis

Ovis is a genus of hoofed mammals in the family Bovidae, subfamily Caprinae, comprising wild sheep and the domesticated sheep (Ovis aries). Members of Ovis are typically medium- to large-sized ungulates adapted to rugged habitats. They usually have strong, curved horns in males; females may have horns in some species. They are primarily grazers and mixed feeders, consuming grasses, forbs, and shrubs. They possess thick wool or hair coats, often adapted to cold, windy environments.

Wild species of Ovis occur across Eurasia and North America, from deserts and steppe to alpine meadows and tundra. Domestic sheep are distributed worldwide under human management, with extensive breed diversity developed for meat, wool, and milk. The genus includes several well-known species, such as Ovis aries (domestic sheep), Ovis canadensis (bighorn sheep), Ovis dalli (Dall sheep), Ovis nivicola (snow sheep), Ovis ammon (Marco Polo sheep), Ovis vignei (urial), and Ovis orientalis (mouflon). Taxonomic relationships among species are subject to ongoing revision, and some classifications treat mouflon as subspecies of other Ovis taxa.

Domestication and use: Domestic sheep were domesticated from wild ancestors in the Near East during the Neolithic period, roughly 8,000–11,000 years ago. Since then, they have been bred for traits such as wool quality, meat yield, and adaptability to diverse climates.

Conservation: Conservation status varies by species. Several wild Ovis populations face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and disease, while others remain relatively secure.