Aoudad, also known as Barbary sheep, are distinctive animals that many Texans encounter in the state’s diverse landscapes. These rugged mammals, with their impressive horns and shaggy manes, have become a notable presence, prompting questions about their history and role within the Texas ecosystem. Understanding their origins clarifies their current status in the state.
Aoudad Nativeness in Texas
Aoudad are not native to Texas. They are considered an exotic, introduced species. Their presence here is a result of human introduction rather than natural migration or historical ecological development.
Their True Origins and Arrival in Texas
The natural range of the aoudad is the arid, rocky mountainous regions of North Africa, including countries such as Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, and Sudan. They are adapted to dry, rough habitats. They were introduced to the United States around the 1900s, initially for zoos and private preserves.
Aoudad were first released into the wild in Texas starting in 1957 to provide hunting opportunities. The Texas Game and Fish Commission facilitated initial releases, and private landowners also introduced them across various regions, including the Edwards Plateau and Trans-Pecos.
Ecological Presence in Texas
Since their introduction, aoudad populations have significantly expanded across Texas. Estimates suggest their population in Texas alone could be around 30,000 to 100,000 animals. They have successfully established themselves along the Caprock Escarpment, in the Trans-Pecos region, and on parts of the Edwards Plateau. Their adaptability to dry, rugged terrains, similar to their native environment, has contributed to their proliferation.
Aoudad are classified as an exotic game animal in Texas. There is no closed season or bag limit for hunting aoudad on private property, which reflects their status as an introduced species. Their diet is broad, consisting of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Competition for food resources with native bighorn sheep is more likely during dry periods when forage is limited.
The presence of aoudad has raised concerns regarding their impact on native Texas wildlife. They compete with native species like desert bighorn sheep and mule deer for forage, water, and habitat. Aoudad can also carry diseases, which can be fatal to native desert bighorn sheep. Management efforts are underway to control aoudad numbers and mitigate their impact, including studies on their interactions with native species. Recent legislation in Texas has even allowed for aerial hunting of aoudad for land management purposes to help control their growing populations.