Barbary Sheep
Ammotragus lervia
Barbary sheep are part of the ‘Caprinae’ family (sheep and goats) and are the only species of wild sheep found in Africa.
Measurements
Size: Shoulder Height 75 - 110cm
Weight: 30 - 140kg
Habitat
The Barbary sheep, or aoudad, inhabits the rocky desert mountains of North Africa.
Diet
During summer they eat nutritious herbs that grow in the mountains, but in winter they eat dry grass and lichen.
Breeding
The females give birth to one or two young, after a pregnancy of 5 - 5½ months. The young can climb rugged terrain almost immediately after birth. Our Barbary sheep breed regularly. Look out in the spring for the lambs, which are lighter in colour than their parents.
Conservation
The Barbary sheep is threatened in the wild due to hunting and competition from domestic sheep and goats. Conservation actions include increasing reserves and improving anti-poaching efforts.
Threat Level
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