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Barbary sheep

Scientific name:  Ammotragus lervia
Class:  Mammals
Continent:  Africa
Habitat:  Plateaus
Diet:  Herbivorous
Weight:  145 kg
Size:  110 cm
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Meet the Barbary sheep!

The Barbary sheep belongs to the sheep family, and is the only wild representative of this species found in the mountain ranges of North Africa. The Barbary sheep is native to the Sahara and the Maghreb, it is known as "mouflon of the Atlas" (its name comes from the Berber language, typical of the area). It has an elegant demeanor, with its long hanging mane that covers the lower part of its body and reaches down to its legs.

What are its habits?

An agile climber, it jumps from stone to stone to reach even the most inaccessible points. Like domestic sheep and goats (its close relatives), Barbary Sheep are very resistant to low temperatures and food shortages. In spring, females give birth to one or two offspring whose lactation period continues even after they start eating solid food.

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 very gluttonous if the grasses that surround it are abundant, although when there is a shortage it is content with dry leaves and branches.

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Learn more about some of the Zoo's animals in a unique adventure

Learn more about some of the Zoo's animals in a unique adventure