ANIMAL HIGHLIGHT
Aoudad Sheep
The Aoudad is a species of Caprine native to rocky mountains in North and West Africa. Although it is rare in its native North Africa, it has been introduced to North America, southern Europe, and elsewhere.
Barbary sheep are big sheep. A male will almost 4’ tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 350 lbs. They are sandy-brown, darkening with age, with a slightly lighter underbelly and a darker line along the back. Long shaggy hair on the throat extending down to the chest in males is a mane called “chaps”.
Barbary sheep are endemic to regions of Northern Africa primarily surrounding the barren center of theSahara Desert. While populations of Aoudad in Texas have increased, populations within its native range have been decreasing.
During 50's, Aoudad sheep were released in West Texas and the Palo Duro Canyon of Texas for the purpose of attracting hunters to the region.
Aoudad Sheep Hunting in Texas