Is there a future for the last populations of aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) in northern Algeria?

Abstract

Very small natural populations of aoudad or barbary sheep remained in northern Algeria. Areas where aoudad has been previously reported were surveyed from 2012 to 2015 in spring and autumn. Animals were recorded at only four localities in the north-eastern part of the mountains, south of Tebessa, Batna, M’Sila and north east of Biskra, and only one in the western part south of Tiaret. Sighted groups included 1 to 11 individuals. The main threats to this species are reported, captive breeding is suggested as a tool for conservation