Tibetan Sheep is the chief of all the wild sheep and there are total 8 species in India. There are 2 different species of Tibetan sheep in Ladakh.
Ovis Ammon
Ovis Ammon is called as Nyan in Ladakhi Language and they are desire to live in high altitude of about 3660-4575 m. Tibetan Sheep are the animal which has big horns or even they are called as Great Tibetan sheep. Nyan are mostly seen in the eastern range of Changthang region Ladakh. The size of the Ovis Ammon is 130-190 cm in length. The food for the Nyan is herbs, grasslands and sedges. They live for about 13 years and the best time for feed is in the early morning and during evening they take rest. The Nyan remains normally at a great height and rarely descends to a level below 4,500 meters. Male Nyans are very attractive as they have long and huge curving horns which measures as long as up to 140 cms. The fighting between two Nyan makes it a good photo motive. Nyan is the largest and most wonderful wild sheep. About 200 Nyans are found in the extreme eastern portion of Ladakh.
Ovis Orientals
Ovis Orientalis are the smallest sheep among all the wild sheep and they are also known as red Sheep. The Ladakhi name of the Ovis Orientalis is Shapo. The Shapo lives in masses and males and females live separately. They stay in highland hills between 3000 to 4000 m. Shapo is the smallest then Nyan. The body size of the Shapo is 110-150 cm and the weight is around 35 to 90 kg. The horns of the Ovis Orientalis are back curved, crumpled and slim. The color of the Tibetan sheep is copper red and the parts are whitish with black lines. Tibetan Sheep are viewed in the valleys and in the river of Indus and Shyok. There are approximately 1500 Shapo in Ladakh as the population is deteriorating various troubles. They graze during morning and rest in the evening. During winter they travel to lower inclines. The Ovis Orientalis is seen in the nearby location of Fotu La, Lamayuru, Rizong, Wanla and Kargil district.