Barbary Sheep

The Barbary sheep is the only wild sheep species that in habits Africa.

Characteristics

The Barbary sheep looks like a cross between a sheep and a goat. It has a sandy-brown colour and has a stocky, heavily built body. It also as short legs and a long face. Its coat is woolly and thick in the winter, but thins out and turns sleek for the hotter, summer months. Both males and females have horns that sweep both backwards and outwards in an arch. The males have thicker and larger horns that are more heavily ridged, Males can also become twice the weight of their female counterparts, Lastly, males have longer hair on their throat, chest and the upper portion of their legs.

Population Characteristics

The Barbary sheep lives in small groups of 3-6 individuals, but in dry season the groups could have up to 20 individuals. Mating season for the Barbary sheep in in the months of October and November. Females with give birth after 150-165 days of carrying. This species reaches sexual maturity at 18 years and can live up to 24 years (in captivity). They feed primarily at dawn, dusk and during the night. They feed on grass, herbs and foliage from shrubs and trees.

Range

The Barbary Sheep can be found in Northern Africa. They are distributed through Morocco and the Western Sahara, then all the way east in Egypt and Sudan. They live in Arid Hill and Mountain habitats. They like to live in rocky, rugged terrain. They also try to live in places where shade can be provided on sunny/hot day, so they'll find shade within caves and under rock/tree overhangs.

Status and Threats

The status of the Barbary sheep is Vulnerable on the IUNC red list. Their main threats include extensice hunting and competition with livestock.

Information from: http://www.arkive.org/barbary-sheep/ammotragus-lervia/

Photo Credits: www.ardea.com and www.arkive.org