### The Controversial Case of Argali Cloning: A Narrative of Science, Illegality, and Impacts
In a tale that interweaves groundbreaking biotechnology with legal and ethical complexities, the instance of Schubarth and his cloned Marco Polo argali sheep has drawn the interest of both wildlife advocates and law enforcement. What commenced as a bold initiative to clone and propagate a rare species of wild sheep quickly developed into a federal inquiry, leading to allegations of animal trafficking and conspiracy.
#### The Initiation: Cloning Marco Polo Argali
The Marco Polo argali (*Ovis ammon polii*), a subspecies of wild sheep indigenous to Central Asia, is famous for its enormous, spiral horns and is highly sought after by trophy hunters. As its population dwindles, the species gains protection under international conservation regulations, rendering it unlawful to trade or transport them without appropriate permits.
Schubarth, a rancher hailing from Montana, perceived an opportunity in the rare and magnificent argali. In January 2013, he entered into a “cell storage agreement” with an undisclosed cloning company, dispatching somatic cells from an argali for future cloning storage. The cells were likely taken from a Marco Polo argali specimen, though their exact source remains ambiguous. However, it was not until 2015 that Schubarth advanced further, entering into an “Ovine Cloning Contract” with the same company. This agreement stipulated a $4,200 deposit, implying that financial limitations could have postponed the endeavor.
By 2016, Schubarth acquired 165 cloned argali embryos at his Montana ranch, marking a pivotal point in his ambition to breed the rare species. In the following year, 2017, the first pure Marco Polo argali sheep was born on his property. Schubarth named the sheep “Montana Mountain King,” an apt designation for an animal symbolizing the results of years of dedication and investment.
#### The Cloning and Breeding Enterprise
Schubarth’s aspirations extended beyond cloning just one argali. He recognized the opportunity for a profitable enterprise in breeding and marketing the genetic material of his esteemed sheep. Before long, he was collecting semen from Montana Mountain King, which he used to inseminate local ewes. The objective was to produce hybrid sheep that were larger and more impressive, appealing to the trophy hunting audience.
Schubarth’s operation grew swiftly. He began sending “straws” of semen to clients in Texas and permitted ranchers from various regions to bring their sheep to Montana for insemination. The hybrid offspring, comprising both domestic sheep and the cloned argali, were aimed to be bigger and more attractive for hunters. Nonetheless, this practice was surrounded by legal and ethical challenges.
#### The Legal and Ethical Dilemma
The breeding and marketing of hybrid sheep for hunting purposes raised numerous concerns. Primarily, Schubarth’s activities contravened both state and federal wildlife regulations. The Marco Polo argali is recognized as a protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with any attempt to trade or transport the species—or its genetic material—without requisite permits being illegal.
Schubarth was fully aware of the legal obstacles. He even sought special permission from the state of Montana to retain argali sheep, but when the state rejected his appeal, he proceeded with his venture regardless. To ease the sale and transport of semen and hybrid sheep, Schubarth forged documents, creating the illusion that his undertakings were legitimate.
The magnitude of the operation and the blatant disregard for legalities ultimately drew the scrutiny of federal officials. In early 2024, Schubarth faced charges for animal trafficking and conspiracy. The allegations were significant, as they encompassed not only the unlawful cloning and breeding of a protected species but also the falsification of documents and the trafficking of genetic material across state borders.
#### The Aftermath: Legal Repercussions and Regret
When federal agents swooped down on Schubarth’s ranch, they encountered a sophisticated operation featuring cloned and hybrid sheep. Genetic testing validated the presence of Marco Polo argali DNA, necessitating the quarantine or removal of the animals as required. Schubarth’s treasured Montana Mountain King was seized, and some animals on the ranch were euthanized. However, in a gesture of compassion, the government provided the meat from the euthanized animals to families in need across Montana.
Schubarth pleaded guilty to the charges and, as stated by the government, “showed remorse and has been cooperative” throughout the inquiry. He permitted officials to access his ranch and assisted with genetic testing and the removal of the animals. Despite his cooperation, the legal repercussions were inescapable. Recently, Schubarth received a six-month prison sentence, along with a $20,000 fine and a $4,000 payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
