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
Size: Body length about 130–165 cm; shoulder height about 90–112 cm in males and about 75–90 cm in females
Weight: About 100–145 kg (some sources give a range starting in the 30 kg range)
Lifespan: Captive: about 15–24 years
Diet: Herbivore Herbivorous, eating grasses, leaves, and fruit; adapted to arid regions, it obtains most of its water from food and metabolism
Activity: Crepuscular or nocturnal; rests in the shade of rocks or in caves during the day
Distribution: Barbary sheep are native to North Africa, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Tunisia, and Western Sahara. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

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

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 3

Hirakawa ZooKagoshimaAbout a 20-minute walk from Goino Station on the JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line, or take a bus bound for Taniyama / Dobutsuen from Fukuhira Nokyo-mae to the last stop.

Source

Fuji Safari ParkShizuokaOpened in 1980

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Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical GardenFukuokaOpened in 1953

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Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Vulnerable (VU)

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
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 3 Source

Books & gear

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