Aoudad

Ammotragus Lervia

A native of North Africa, the aoudad (also known as the Barbary sheep) is actually an intermediate species between a sheep and a goat. This highly desirable trophy animal is relatively large, with the average male weighing approximately 200 pounds. Their coat is tan, and they have a large, beard-like mane on the front and back of their necks, and unusual tufts of hair (called "chaps") encircling their front legs.

Both males and females carry impressive horns, which have a ridge on the front surface, a wide base, and a dramatic backward curl that goes upward and outward.

Aoudads can occupy the kind of steep terrain that other animals cannot, and they can withstand great temperature variations and scarcity of water. Thus, they are extremely hearty and, unlike sheep, are very resistant to parasites and disease. Young aoudads are capable of climbing rocks within hours of being born. During the rut, males spar much as sheep do, with pushing and head butting that produces loud, cracking sounds.

This creature is reclusive by nature, and it has adapted well to the rocky, arid mountain regions of its native habitat. Like other desert dwellers, the aoudad is most active in the cooler hours of dawn and dusk. They are astonishingly sure-footed, and their jumping power is such that they can clear a 6-foot obstacle from a standing start. The lack of cover in their natural desert habitat has caused the animal to develop defensive behavior whereby it conceals itself by freezing in the presence of danger.

The glassing, stalking, and chasing of a wary adversary such as this is the kind of exciting and challenging experience that hunters remember for years to come.