SHEEP
BARBARY SHEEP Ammotragus lervia
Identification This is the only wild sheep species occurring in North
Africa, and it is endemic to that region. A large, stocky sheep, the ram
is much larger than the ewe. A well-developed fringe of long hairs –
particularly noticeable in the ram – extends down the throat, chest
and front legs. The species has a fairly long and well-haired tail, and
short ears. The horns of the ram are particularly well developed, being
stout at the bases and curved back, down and forwards. The animal
is an overall sandy to reddish-brown colour, although the long fringe
is usually paler. All six races described across the wide range of this
species are readily identifiable as Barbary Sheep.
Size Shoulder height 75–120 cm.
Weight 40 –140 kg.