Dubbo Western Plains Zoo

Barbary Sheep

Ammotragus Iervia

Barbary Sheep are the only wild sheep that live in Africa. They are an important source of meat, which is valuable to the desert economy. In some areas, their numbers have dropped so low that they are now considered vulnerable.

Rocky hills, mountains and stony plains don't offer much protection from predators so Barbary Sheep rely on camouflage. If threatened they stand still and their sandy coloured coat blends with the desert habitat. Their hooves have soft centre pads with hard-rimmed edges that can grip any ledge - great for scampering up sheer cliffs.

Photographs by Justin Sullivan. Some text courtesy of Dubbo Western Plains Zoo

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