Aoudad
QUICK FACTS
Scientific Name
Ammotragus lervia
Species Survival Plan
Yes
Habitat
Desert, dry mountainous
Predators
Mountain lion, leopard, caracal, coyote and man
Food
Grasses, bushes and herbs
Originally Native To
North Africa, Morocco and Western Sahara to Egypt and Sudan
Height
36 inches at shoulder
Weight
Male 200 lb.
Female 100 lb.
Characteristics
Sheep with long fringe from throat and forequarters; semicircular horns on both sexes
Gestation Period
5 - 5.5 months
Offspring
1 - 2 lambs
Birth Season
March - May
Lifespan
Wild 10 years
Captivity 20 years
Social Behavior
Small family groups
About Aoudad
Aoudads, also known as Barbary sheep, are the only wild sheep in Africa.
They were brought to the U.S. in the early 1900s for exhibition in zoos and parks. They were quite successful at reproducing in captivity, resulting in excess animals. These surplus sheep were used to establish populations on private and public lands in suitable habitat. Free-ranging populations currently exist in California, New Mexico and Texas.
While introduced populations in the U.S. and Spain are flourishing, their populations in Africa are declining due to hunting and habitat loss. People native to the Sahara take a toll on the population because it is an important source of meat. The hide, hair and sinews are also valuable in the desert economy.
The aoudad has a fringe of long, soft hair hanging from its throat and forequarters, as well as semicircular horns that curve outward, back and then inward over the neck. Both fringe and horns are more pronounced in the male. Its eyes could be considered its most remarkable feature with horizontal pupils surrounded by brilliant yellow irises.
The aoudad is a very agile climber and jumper that resides high in rocky terrain, active during dawn and dusk and resting in shade during the heat of the day. While primarily a grazer, it also browses. Generally, they obtain needed moisture from their food and can go without water for long periods of time.
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ANYTHING YOU GIVE HELPS THE ANIMALS
As a private nonprofit corporation, Fossil Rim does not receive national or state government support. Every cent spent or donated here goes in some way, directly or indirectly, toward the care of our animals.