Barbary sheep

Size

Barbary sheep males weigh between 100 and 145 kg, and females 40 to 45 kg.

Ecology

The barbary sheep, or the aoudad, originates from North Africa, and has subsequently been introduced into the United States, Mexico and Spain. It is found primarily in rough, rocky and arid country. Lacking enough tall vegetation behind which to hide, the barbary sheep has developed an exceptional ability to remain motionless whenever danger threatens, thus remaining unseen to predators. Males live separately, but during the rutting season they join the other sheep in the group and engage in violent fights in competition for females.

Food habits

The barbary sheep grazes on various dry grasses, lichens, herbs and bushes. Their habitat offers very few sources of water, but the sheep obtain sufficient moisture from green vegetation and the dew that condenses on leaves during cold desert nights.

Longevity

Barbary sheep live for 10 to 12 years in the wild, and in zoos up to 15 years.

Reproduction

The gestation period is five months and the ewe gives birth to one or two, in rare instances three young.

Conservation status

Introduced barbary sheep in New Mexico and Texas are breeding successfully, and their populations are thriving to such extents that hunting of these animals has been legalised. The North African population however, remains vulnerable as populations still decrease sharply during periods of drought, and in some areas they continue to be hunted by the native people of Sahara. In Egypt some areas of their previous range are being evaluated for possible reintroduction.

IUCN Threat Category:

Vulnerable.