Page 16 - NORDIC SAFARI CLUB CHAPTER NEWSLETTER 4TH QUARTER 2021

Ammotragus lervia

Arrui (Sp), Mähnenschaf (G), Mouflon à Usually lives in small family groups with an
manchettes (F). Also called arui (Arabic). adult male. Old males and pregnant
"Aoudad" seems to be an anglicization of its females may be solitary. Breeds mainly
Tunisian name udad, and is a better name from September to November, but there is

than Barbary sheep, because this animal is some activity throughout the year. A single
not really a sheep, and is found in many young (often two) is born 5-1/2 months
parts of northern Africa besides the former later. Newborns are able to get about in
Barbary States or Barbary coastal region. moderately rugged terrain almost at once,
The name "Barbary" originates from the and are sexually mature at about 18

Berber people, the chief inhabitants of the months. Females have been known to give
region. birth twice in one year. Captives have lived
as long as 20 years.

DESCRIPTION
Feeds early morning and late afternoon,
Shoulder height 36-40 inches (91-102 cm). resting in shade at midday. Eats grasses
Weight 200-250 pounds (90-115 kg). and foliage, sometimes standing on its hind
legs to browse. Drinks water where

The aoudad is a medium-sized mountain available, otherwise obtains moisture from
animal that is biologically intermediate its food. Will descend from rocky terrain in
between a goat and a sheep. It is strongly evening to feed on plains. Eyesight and
built, with a short mane on neck and hearing are very good, sense of smell is

shoulders and long flowing hair on throat, good. Alert and wary. An agile climber and
chest, forelegs and tail. The general color is jumper.
sandy brown, with underparts paler. As in
goats, the aoudad has a scent gland

beneath the tail, but does not have glands
between the hoofs, in the groin area or in
front of the eyes. Its chromosome number is
58, which is the same as in the urials, but is

different from the 60 that is universal in true
goats. Aoudads will hybridize with domestic
goats, but not with sheep. The horns (both
sexes) are sheep-like, being smooth, thick,
triangular in section, and curved to form a

semi-circle over the neck (supracervical
horns). Females are much smaller than
males and lighter in color, with less hair and

much smaller horns. The aoudad is a superb game animal that is
difficult to hunt under almost any
circumstances.
BEHAVIOR

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