Presence of the Barbary Sheep (Ammotragus lervia) in the region of Illizi (Southeast Algeria)

Abstract

The Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), which is sometimes referred to as Aoudad, is widely spread in different parts of Africa as an endemic species, while in Europe and America  it is an introduced species. This animal is protected by the decrees of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as well as by the laws of several countries, including Algeria. In order to conserve the Barbary sheep in its natural environment, it was decided to carry out this work which is in fact an update of the knowledge on the presence of the Barbary sheep in the region of Illizi (southeast of Algeria). To do this, surveys were carried out on 20 transects during the years 2015 and 2016 in the region of Illizi (southeastern Algeria) in order to identify populations of wild ungulates, in particular Ammotragus lervia. These transect surveys led to finding a number that exceeds 131 animals divided into 30 females, 43 males and 19 young individuals. In addition, 39 individuals who were observed from afar, and therefore it was not possible to clearly determine their sex. However, the nature of their habitats could be identified. It should also be recognized that the Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) is a species that is seriously threatened by the risk of poaching.