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

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.