Why is the Barbary sheep considered Vulnerable in its native range?

Hunting, both legal and illegal, along with habitat destruction, competition from overgrazing livestock, and drought, have driven population declines across North Africa.

How agile is the Barbary sheep on steep terrain?

Very agile — it can perform a standing jump of more than 2 meters and moves confidently across steep, rocky mountainsides.

Has the Barbary sheep been introduced outside Africa?

Yes. It was introduced to Texas in 1957–1958 and to Spain in 1970, and both introduced populations have become well established, sometimes raising ecological concerns.

Barbary Sheepバーバリーシープ

Ammotragus lerviaVU— Vulnerable

The Barbary sheep, or aoudad, is a rugged goat-antelope native to the rocky, arid mountains of North Africa, well adapted to heat and water scarcity. It forages on grasses, shrubs, and lichens during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, resting in rocky shelter through the heat of the day. Hunting, habitat loss, and competition with livestock have driven declines in its native range, and the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable, even as introduced populations thrive in places like Texas and Spain.

Barbary Sheep (reference photo) — Photo: Drcbrothephotographer / CC0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Artiodactyla / Bovidae Source
Distribution: Barbary sheep are native to North Africa, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Tunisia, and Western Sahara. Source

Did You Know?

Barbary sheep can bury their faces in the long fringe of hair on their throat and chest, which is thought to help keep windblown sand and dust out of their nostrils. Source
Barbary sheep are highly agile on steep terrain and are capable of a standing jump of more than 2 meters (7 feet). Source
Populations introduced to Spain in 1970 and Texas in 1957–1958 have become established, and in some areas have grown large enough to raise ecological concerns. Source

Where to See This Species

3 facilities · 0 individuals

Hirakawa ZooKagoshimaJR指宿枕崎線「五位野駅」から徒歩約20分、またはバスで「福平農協前」から「谷山・動物園行き」に乗車し終点下車。

鹿児島市平川動物公園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

富士自然動物公園 (Fujishizen Doubutsu Kouen)ShizuokaOpened in 1980

富士自然動物公園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

福岡市動物園 (Fukuokashi Doubutsuen)FukuokaOpened in 1953

福岡市動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNではVU。乾燥地の生息地と野生個体群の保全が必要である。

Habitat

北アフリカの乾燥山地、岩場、砂漠周辺。

Threats

狩猟
生息地の劣化
家畜との競合

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

保護区の管理
狩猟圧の低減
飼育下での繁殖管理

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Why is the Barbary sheep considered Vulnerable in its native range?: Hunting, both legal and illegal, along with habitat destruction, competition from overgrazing livestock, and drought, have driven population declines across North Africa. Source
How agile is the Barbary sheep on steep terrain?: Very agile — it can perform a standing jump of more than 2 meters and moves confidently across steep, rocky mountainsides. Source
Has the Barbary sheep been introduced outside Africa?: Yes. It was introduced to Texas in 1957–1958 and to Spain in 1970, and both introduced populations have become well established, sometimes raising ecological concerns. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org