Aoudad

The Aoudad, also known as Barbary sheep, exhibit distinctive physical characteristics that make them a formidable species in the wild. Standing between 80 to 100 cm (2.6 to 3.3 ft) tall at the shoulder and weighing from 40 to 140 kg (88 to 309 lb), they command a strong presence in their habitat.

Their sandy-brown coat, which darkens with age, is complemented by a slightly lighter underbelly and a distinct darker line tracing along their back. Sporting a uniform reddish-brown or grayish-brown hue on their upper parts and outer legs, Aoudads possess an aesthetically pleasing coloration.

Notable features include shaggy hair adorning the throat, which extends down to the chest in males, as well as a sparse mane. Their horns, a defining characteristic, exhibit a triangular cross-section and a remarkable length, often exceeding 40 inches. Curving outward, backward, and then inward, these horns contribute to the Aoudad’s majestic appearance. Despite their impressive size, the horns maintain a relatively smooth texture, with subtle wrinkles evident at the base as the animal matures.