Barbary Sheep

The ram with the giant horns

The Barbary sheep is endemic to the mountains of North Africa, although it has also survived in the mountains and canyons of the dry southwestern United States where it was introduced in the early 20th century . It lives in the desert mountains from sea level to the edge of the snow.

Sexual dimorphism is evident. The male is much larger than the female, but both have horns.

Breeding generally occurs from September to November and gestation lasts about 160 days, after which time the female gives birth to a single calf, although twins are sometimes born. The male is the dominant sex, mainly because of the enormous size difference, although in social groups it is a dominant female that leads.

Conservation status

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated