Family: Bovidae, Cattle, Goats, and Sheep view all from this family

Description A small to medium-size bovid. Coat uniformly tawny, except for white on chin, insides of ears, and line on underparts. Long mane hangs from throat, chest, and upper forelegs. Both sexes have heavy, wrinkled, goat-like horns that bend outward, then backward and in; measure to 33" (84 cm) long. Ht 3'-3'5" (90-105 cm); L 4'3"-6'3" (1.3-1.9 m); T 10" (25 cm); Wt male 220-320 lb (100-145 kg), female 88-121 lb (40-55 kg).

Similar Species Dall's and Bighorn sheep lack mane and have coiled horns. Mountain Goat is white and has much smaller horns.

Breeding Mates September-November, occasionally throughout the year. Gestation about 5 1/2 months; usually 1-3 young born March-May.

Habitat Rocky, mountainous terrain in arid or semi-arid areas.

Range Native to North Africa, where it is hunted for meat. Introduced into southwestern U.S. Largest populations in Palo Duro Canyon of Texas Panhandle; the Canadian River Gorge, Canyon Largo, and Hondo Valley of New Mexico; and the Santa Lucia Mountains of wc California.

Discussion The single species in this genus was introduced as a game animal in the southwestern U.S. in 1950. A gland beneath the tail gives the Barbary Sheep a goat-like odor. The animal gets its water primarily from dew and from the green vegetation upon which it chiefly feeds. In behavior, the Barbary Sheep is sheep-like, following its leader, usually an adult female. Families of male, female, and young remain together. During breeding season, males stand apart, run toward each other, and clash horns. They also stand side by side, lock horns, and try to pull each other down in a display of strength similar to arm wrestling. The newborn lamb nurses for about six months.