BARBARY SHEEP Ammotragus lervia

Origin: North Africa

This sturdy, agile animal has keep eyesight. Although it is rare in its native North Africa, the Barbary Sheep was introduced in South Europe and other places. Their coat is short hair, not wool, although in winter there is an undercoat of fuzz close to the skin.

Barbary sheep generally associate in small family groups consisting of an adult male and female, with their offspring at various ages.

Horns are hollow and made of hard skin. Cattle, bison, mountain sheep and goats have horns, a bony core over which the horns grows. Horns are never shed and both males and females can have horns.

Too large to take cover behind most desert plants, Barbary sheep will freeze when threatened and this blend into their barren habitat. Their colouration is perfectly suited to this ploy.
Within their range, bodies or water and few and far between, but these desert animals appear to be able to obtain sufficient moisture for long periods from green vegetation and the dew which condenses on leaves during the night.