From Foreign Fields: Exotic Species That Thrive in SA
Fallow Deer (Dama dama) & Barbary Sheep (Ammotragus lervia)
South Africa’s wildlife heritage is famously rich—but it doesn’t end at the border. Some of the animals you’ll find on game farms today come from Europe or North Africa, and they’ve carved out their own niche in the controlled, well-managed spaces of the bushveld.
Fallow Deer and Barbary Sheep may not be part of the Big Five or native game rosters, but they offer something else: aesthetics, genetics, and hunting value for landowners and clients alike.
🦌 Fallow Deer – Elegance with Antlers
Originally from Europe and Asia Minor, Fallow Deer are now well established on farms across South Africa.
- Males (bucks) grow palmate antlers—broad, flattened, and perfect for display
- Coat colours vary from white, spotted, chocolate, and black
- Weigh between 50–90 kg, with a sleek, deer-like build
- Prefer open grasslands and lightly wooded areas, often grazing at dawn and dusk
They’re calm, easy to manage, and often used for breeding, hunting packages, or photographic safaris. Many landowners include them for genetic variation, international appeal, and trophy potential.
🐐 Barbary Sheep – The Mountain Gladiator
Also called Aoudad, Barbary Sheep hail from the rocky deserts of North Africa—and they’re built for it.
- Thick, sandy-brown coats with a flowing beard of hair along the chest and front legs
- Horns curve backward, often reaching over 75 cm
- Males can weigh up to 140 kg, with muscular frames and sure-footed agility
- Adapted to dry, rocky terrain and thrive in arid areas or koppies
They’re resilient, tough, and make impressive trophies for hunters seeking something different. Often used to diversify farm offerings or test stalking skills in rocky terrain.
🌐 Exotic, But Ethical
Both species are:
- Non-invasive, when properly enclosed and managed
- Non-threatening to native species in structured environments
- Valuable additions for eco-tourism, hunting, and breeding programs
- Require permits and oversight for ethical introduction
When managed responsibly, exotic species like Fallow Deer and Barbary Sheep enhance biodiversity, economic opportunity, and visitor interest—without compromising the land’s natural integrity.
