Synonym: Barbary Sheep
Class: Mammals
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae; Sub-family: Caprinae
Genus and species: Ammotragus lervia
English Name: Barbary Sheep; Arabic Name: Aouded *Arui
Barbary Sheep
Description, habitats and behaviors
The Barbary Sheep is a wild ungulate endemic to North Africa. It is considered the emblematic species of Tunisian wildlife, symbolizing the nature of its rugged terrain. Its coat is tawny, with coarse, thick, stiff hair and a fine, curly down. Tawny hair hangs along the throat down to the front of the legs. In males, these are very long and longer than in females. It measures between 130 and 170 cm in length and between 75 and 110 cm in height at the withers, weighing 40 to 145 kg. As an adult, the male sports horns that reach 84 cm in length, while the female has horns of 40 cm maximum. They sweep upward then curve in semi-circles diverging backward. The Barbary Sheep is a species that lives in family groups. The group size does not exceed 11 individuals. It is a generalist herbivore that makes its dietary choices based on seasonal availability.
Status in the world and in the region
The Barbary Sheep is listed in the "Vulnerable" (VU) category, according to the IUCN Red List criteria. In Tunisia, the species is classified as Endangered (EN) according to the National Registry of Wild Species (REGNES). The region constitutes one of its historical grounds. However, the species has probably nearly disappeared due to poaching and habitat degradation.
