The Barbary sheep, aoudad, or Atlas mouflon (Ammotragus lervia) is a bovid of the subfamily Caprinae native to rocky areas of the Sahara and Sahel. It is present in big game reserves and hunting estates, with presence mainly in areas of Murcia, Valencia Region, and Alicante.
It was introduced to Spain in the mid-20th century for hunting purposes and has adapted well to Spanish mountain ecosystems. This species' adaptation to Spanish terrain has made it a sought-after big game species in Iberia.
The maximum size that males reach is 165 cm in length and 110 cm in height at the withers, with a weight of up to 130 kg. The tail is woolly and notably long compared to other members of the Caprinae subfamily, reaching 20 cm in length.
The coat is very short, except on the tail and the dense beard that in males runs along the front of the neck. The color is reddish or light brown, similar to the sand of the deserts from which they come, slightly lighter on the lower part of the body, and in old males the mane and beards are black. Both sexes have beards and curved horns, which in the case of males are longer and thicker than in females.
The Aoudad was introduced to Spain during the 20th century and has found an ideal habitat for its development in our country. Its ability to adapt to rocky and mountainous terrain has firmly established it in several Spanish regions.
The Barbary sheep has presence mainly in:
These regions offer the rocky and mountainous terrain that the Aoudad prefers, similar to its natural habitat in North Africa.
The Aoudad adapts perfectly to rocky and mountainous areas with sparse vegetation, similar to its original habitat in the desert regions of the Sahara and Sahel. It prefers steep terrain where it can use its natural agility.
It is a gregarious animal that forms family groups, with males being more solitary outside the breeding season. Its brown coloration allows it to camouflage perfectly in the Spanish Mediterranean landscape.
Hunting the Aoudad is mainly practiced through stalking in rocky and mountainous terrain. Its keen eyesight and ability to move in difficult terrain make this a demanding and exciting hunting modality.
The Aoudad hunting season varies depending on the autonomous community, but is generally permitted during the autumn and winter months, from October to February.
Important: It is essential to consult the specific regulations of each autonomous community and local hunting management plans before planning any hunt, as there may be variations in dates and requirements.
Stalking the Aoudad has particular characteristics:
It is recommended to have local guides who know well the behavior and preferences of this species in the territory.
The Aoudad trophy is characterized by:
The oldest specimens have black beards and manes, being especially valued as trophies.
We offer Aoudad hunting experiences in the best reserves and estates in Spain, with professional guides specialized in this species. Contact us to learn about availability, prices, and plan your next adventure.