General Characteristics
The short, bristly outer coat is reddish to sandy brown in color. The underparts are moderately lighter. Both sexes have a heavy fringe of hair on their throat, although in males this extends down the neck to encompass the chest and front legs. The tail is also fringed. The body is quite thick and sturdy. The thick, triangular-based horns are found in both sexes, although they are slightly larger in males. The horns have numerous fine rings; although in older individuals these may be worn down, causing the horn surface to look smooth. They curve in a semi-circle over the back, up to 22 inches.
Conservation Status
The aoudad is classified as a vulnerable species
Distribution
Rocky arid mountains in isolated pockets throughout northern Africa.
Countries: Algeria, Tunisia, northern
Chad, Egypt, Libya, northern Mali, Mauritania, Morocco
Niger and Sudan Ecology and Behavior
Like most desert dwellers, the aoudad is most active in the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, seeking shade and shelter during the day. Aoudads are exceptionally sure-footed and have such jumping power that they can clear a 2 meter / 6.6 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.
Family group: Generally solitary or in small groups.
Diet: Sparse grasses, bushes, acacia, lichens
Main Predators: Leopard, caracal
The short, bristly outer coat is reddish to sandy brown in color. The underparts are moderately lighter. Both sexes have a heavy fringe of hair on their throat, although in males this extends down the neck to encompass the chest and front legs. The tail is also fringed. The body is quite thick and sturdy. The thick, triangular-based horns are found in both sexes, although they are slightly larger in males. The horns have numerous fine rings; although in older individuals these may be worn down, causing the horn surface to look smooth. They curve in a semi-circle over the back, up to 22 inches.
Conservation Status
The aoudad is classified as a vulnerable species
Distribution
Rocky arid mountains in isolated pockets throughout northern Africa.
Countries: Algeria, Tunisia, northern
Chad, Egypt, Libya, northern Mali, Mauritania, Morocco
Niger and Sudan Ecology and Behavior
Like most desert dwellers, the aoudad is most active in the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, seeking shade and shelter during the day. Aoudads are exceptionally sure-footed and have such jumping power that they can clear a 2 meter / 6.6 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.
Family group: Generally solitary or in small groups.
Diet: Sparse grasses, bushes, acacia, lichens
Main Predators: Leopard, caracal