Our herd
Commonly known as Barbary sheep, aoudads are well suited to the steep slopes and rocky hills
found at Fossil Rim. Our flock of 40 tends to occupy steep terrain other animals can't. They can withstand great temperature variations and scarce water. Although
they have been sucessfully introduced in areas of the southwestern U.S., aoudads continue to
decline in their native habitats due to hunting pressures.
How they behave
Like most desert dwellers, the aoudad is most active in the cooler hours of dawn and dusk,
seeking shade and shelter during the day. They are exceptionally sure-footed and have such
jumping power they can clear a 6 foot obstacle with ease from a standing
start. The lack of vegetation for cover in their habitat has caused the aoudad to conceal
itself by freezing in the presence of danger. Although they can generally obtain all needed
moisture from their food, if water is available aoudad drink and wallow liberally.
Generally reclusive by nature the auodad at Fossil Rim are quite acclimated to people and readily approach vehicles. One way to distinguish the males from females is by the mane-like hair on the males chest and front legs is much longer than the females. When establishing heirarchy males will will ram heads until one is forced into submission.
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