Barbary sheep

Meet the Barbary sheep!

It belongs to the bovine family. The Arrui is native to the Sahara and the Maghreb, it is known as the “mouflon of the Atlas” (its name comes from the Berber language, typical of the area). Its carriage is elegant, especially because of the long hanging mane that covers the lower part of the body and reaches the legs.

What are its habits?

Agile climbers, they can reach the most inaccessible cliffs, jumping from rock to rock. Like sheep and goats (close relatives), they are very resistant to low temperatures and food shortages.

The females, in spring, give birth to one or two young, after about 160 days of gestation.

Conservation

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated

DID YOU KNOW ...

The Barbary sheep is an invasive species in Spain. It has been introduced in Murcia and La Palma for hunting purposes, since then it has also spread to Andalusia, Castilla-la Mancha and Alicante.