Population characteristics of the endangered Barbary sheep in the Amassine nature reserve, Moroccan Western Atlas range

Abstract

Abstract Population characteristics of Atlas Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) were investigated 17 years following the 1999 introduction of 10 individuals into the fenced nature reserve of Amassine, High Atlas range, Morocco, for promoting wildlife watching and tourism. Population age-sex structure and density were determinate in late winter early spring during four consecutive years (2016–2019) by direct observation before dispersal of the herd. During 2017 the population age-sex structure and density were also investigated and determinate in mid-late spring while the herd is dispersed using the line transect-distance sampling method to have a comparison between the two methods (direct and indirect). Population size increased from 37 to 62 animals during the four-year study period; the maximal population size being 82 individuals recorded in 2006. An estimated population density ranged from 0.25 to 0.41 Barbary sheep/ha. The adult sex ratio varied from 91 to 67 per 100 ewes. The apparent birth rate was of 14 to 73/100 ewes. Juveniles and subadults comprised 27–43% of the population, adult rams 26–31% and, adult ewes 29–45%. The survival rate from birth to 1 year of age approximated 35%. For adult rams was estimated to average 69%/year. The obtained results would be helpful for developing a sustainable population management and habitat restoration plan, and assessing the feasibility of potential reintroduction/restocking in other areas of the Atlas range.