Barbary Sheep
Barbary Sheep
Identification
With a robust appearance, the barbary sheep is characterized by its long head, short and thick legs and long hair that covers all the way from it throat, through the chest and down to the bottom of its front legs. The typical pale brown colour honours its scientific name “Ammotragus” meaning “sheep from the sands”. It has semi-circular horns which grow out and down and increases with age. Both males and females have horns. In terms of size, an adult male’s hight at the withers can reach up to 40 inches and weigh 265lb.
Hunting
In order to ensure a good trophy, it is important to get to the top of the mountains at dawn with the team of guides. A lot of glassing is necessary to find the big herds aiming for an old individual. Once spotted things like the wind, the approach and the accuracy of the shot will pretty much determine the success of your hunt.
Habitat
Introduced in 1970, Spain is one of the very few European countries in which the introduction has been successful in terms of adaptation. Originally, it was only found in Sierra Espuña within Murcia’s region where it was firstly introduced. After that, it quickly conquered new territories in close mountains. There are also isolated groups of barbary sheep in parts of Canary Islands, Comunidad Valenciana, Extremadura, Andalucía and Castilla la Mancha.
Habits
Barbary sheep is used to live in rocky and rugged terrain where they can easily be found any time during the day. It is not considered a very territorial species and normally, they are seen in big herds of adult males during the whole year. Barbary sheep feed on all kind of different grass, brush and bark.
Distribution
Murcia, Canarias, Comunidad Valenciana, Extremadura and Andalucía.
Season All year
Recommended Calibre 270 Winchester
CIC Medal Bronze: 310 points; Silver: 330 points; Gold: 350 points
SCI Medal Bronze: 115 points; Silver: 131 7/8 points; Gold: 141 1/8 points