Ammotragus Research Articles

The sequence and phylogenesis of the α-globin genes of Barbary sheep ( Ammotragus lervia), goat ( Capra hircus), European mouflon ( Ovis aries musimon) and Cyprus mouflon ( Ovis aries ophion)

In order to investigate the polymorphism of α-globin chain of hemoglobin amongst caprines, the linked Iα and IIα globin genes of Barbary sheep ( Ammotragus lervia), goat ( Capra hircus), European mouflon ( Ovis aries musimon), and Cyprus mouflon ( Ovis aries ophion) were completely sequenced, including the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. European and Cyprus mouflons, which do not show polymorphic α globin chains, had almost identical α globin genes, whereas Barbary sheep exhibit two different chains encoded by two nonallelic genes. Four different α genes were observed and sequenced in goat, validating previous observations of the existence of allelic and nonallelic polymorphism. As in other vertebrates, interchromosomal gene conversion appears to be responsible for such polymorphism. Evaluation of nucleotide sequences at the level of molecular evolution of the Iα-globin gene family in the caprine taxa suggests a closer relationship between the genus Ammotragus and Capra. Molecular clock estimates suggest sheep-mouflon, goat-aoudad, and ancestor-caprine divergences of 2.8, 5.7, and 7.1 MYBP, respectively.

Coinfection is an important factor in epidemiological studies: the first serosurvey of the aoudad (Ammotragus lervia)

Despite being considered an invasive ungulate outside its native range (North Africa), little information exists regarding the role of the aoudad (also called Barbary sheep, Ammotragus lervia) as a pathogen reservoir. Furthermore, in most epidemiological surveys the potential role of coinfections (e.g. a first infection may make the host more immuno-competent or susceptible against a second pathogen) as a risk factor is often neglected. In this study we first performed a serological survey for selected pathogens (Mycobacterium bovis, M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Chlamydophila abortus, bovine viral diarrhoea/border disease viruses (BVDV-BDV), Salmonella spp., Brucella melitensis and Toxoplasma gondii) on free (n = 66) and captive (n = 25) aoudad from south-east Spain. Then, by using Akaike's information criterion, we evaluated the importance of coinfection in two statistical models that included the effects of population, age, and sex. Our results show that neither free nor captive aoudad had antibodies against Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila abortus, or BVDV-BDV. However, compared to other wild ungulates in Spain, aoudads have high prevalence of antibodies against M. bovis (free = 49.5%; captive = 8%), very high prevalence of antibodies against M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (free = 19.4%; captive = 56%), and intermediate prevalence of antibodies against Salmonella spp. (free = 13.4%; captive = 0%) or T. gondii (free = 1.5%; captive = 24%). Although the additive effects of population and age were included in our set of selected models, coinfection was the most influential factor to detect antibodies response against mycobacterials and salmonella infections. The direction of this influence could be exclusion of disease between tuberculosis and paratuberculosis seroreactor animals, or enhanced susceptibility to disease between tuberculosis and salmonella seroreactor animals. In conclusion, we believe that wildlife managers must pay more attention to the potential risk posed by aoudads as hosts (and probably reservoirs) of paratuberculosis and tuberculosis mycobacterials, while epidemiologists should be more aware of coinfection as an important factor in epidemiological surveys, especially in wildlife populations where multiple infections are common.

High prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydophila abortus in wild ungulates using two “in house” blocking-ELISA tests

Few data are available on the prevalence and relevance of chlamydiae in wild mammals, and even fewer studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of Chlamydophila abortus in wildlife hosts, most probably due to the absence of suitable species-specific serological assays for testing sera from wild animals. In light of this, we have developed two in-house blocking-ELISA tests for detection of antibodies against Chlamydiaceae and C. abortus in wild ungulates, and analyzed the relationship between geographical and biological factors and the prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydiaceae and C. abortus in 434 wild ungulates from Spain, including sera from European wild boar, Red deer, Fallow deer, Roe deer, Mouflon, Barbary sheep, Southern chamois, and Iberian ibex. Serology revealed that 41.7 ± 4% of the sera were positive for the b-ELISA-LPS ( Chlamydiaceae-specific) and 18.9 ± 3% for the b-ELISA-rPOMP ( C. abortus-specific). Antibodies against Chlamydiaceae lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were detected in sera from all eight ungulate species, the prevalence ranging from 23 to 60%. Iberian ibex was the only wild ungulate not showing seropositivity to the C. abortus specific polymorphic outer membrane protein (POMP). The prevalence of anti-POMP antibodies in the other seven wild ungulate species ranged from 7 to 40%. While significant seroprevalence differences were detected among species and among sampling regions, no effect of age and sex was observed. The high prevalence levels found should be considered with regards to livestock and human health, and warrant further research.

Capacitation status of frozen–thawed spermatozoa from wild ruminant species

Semen from Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), Mouflon sheep (Ovis musimon), Fallow deer (Dama dama), collected by electroejaculation, and semen from Wildebeest antelope (Connochaetes taurinus), collected post mortem, were frozen using a standardized technique and a commercial freezing medium (Triladyl). Sperm quality was assessed by measuring their capacitation status (chlortetracycline assay) in addition to classic assessment: motility, viability (plasma membrane integrity), and acrosome integrity. Sperm cryosurvival measured in terms of recovery (from the initial, pre-freeze values) of motility, viability, and acrosome integrity was relatively high in most species. However, proportion of premature-capacitated spermatozoa (B + AR patterns) increased many times in relation to that of fresh semen: from 8% to 78% in Barbary sheep; from 27% to 61% in Bighorn sheep; and from 12% to 68% in Mouflon sheep. The use of a standardized technique for freezing of spermatozoa from wild ruminant species produced, in most of the cases, acceptable results. This approach may be extensively used to carry out sperm cryopreservation in field conditions. Chlortetracycline assay allowed identifying the same fluorescent patterns observed in spermatozoa from domestic animals and produced additional information on sperm cryosurvival. That is, it revealed those cells that survive freeze–thawing and are potentially fertile: non-capacitated (F pattern) and capacitated acrosome-intact spermatozoa (B pattern).

A gene duplication affecting expression of the ovine ASIP gene is responsible for white and black sheep

Agouti signaling protein (ASIP) functions to regulate pigmentation in mice, while its role in many other animals and in humans has not been fully determined. In this study, we identify a 190-kb tandem duplication encompassing the ovine ASIP and AHCY coding regions and the ITCH promoter region as the genetic cause of white coat color of dominant white/tan (A(Wt)) agouti sheep. The duplication 5' breakpoint is located upstream of the ASIP coding sequence. Ubiquitous expression of a second copy of the ASIP coding sequence regulated by a duplicated copy of the nearby ITCH promoter causes the white sheep phenotype. A single copy ASIP gene with a silenced ASIP promoter occurs in recessive black sheep. In contrast, a single copy functional wild-type (A(+)) ASIP is responsible for the ancient Barbary sheep coat color phenotype. The gene duplication was facilitated by homologous recombination between two non-LTR SINE sequences flanking the duplicated segment. This is the first sheep trait attributable to gene duplication and shows nonallelic homologous recombination and gene conversion events at the ovine ASIP locus could have an important role in the evolution of sheep pigmentation.

Re-examination of the Zone I Material from Tamar Hat (Algeria): Zooarchaeological and Technofunctional Analyses

New analyses of faunal and lithic remains from stratigraphic Zone I (the top 15 layers) of the Iberomaurusian site of Tamar Hat, provide new data for understanding the function of this site and various activities carried out there. The occupation of Tamar Hat Zone I occurred in a prevailing mountainous environment which especially favoured game such as Barbary sheep. Zooarchaeological study of mammal remains revealed behaviours and technical processes which are related to hunting activity and the various stages of processing and butchering these animals. In addition, a technofunctional analysis of the backed bladelets indicates impact damage typical of the kind produced on projectile points used in hunting. Strong similarities in techniques and behaviours were observed in all of the occupation phases of Zone I.

Spatial Association in a Highly Inbred Ungulate Population: Evidence of Fine‐Scale Kin Recognition

AbstractWe present the first evidence of fine‐scale kin recognition, based on a continuous measure of relatedness, in ungulates. The spatial association between herdmates of a captive population of aoudad (Ammotragus lervia), where all the individuals are related, is analysed during resting time. Our goal was to estimate which factors influence individuals’ associations. The study population is highly inbred, although it does not show serious deleterious effects caused by consanguinity. It comprises a single captive herd, reproducing freely and in good conditions for more than 10 yr. It emerges that kin, measured as the coefficient of relationship between two given herdmates, is the main factor determining the spatial association (e.g. average distance) of male–male and female–female dyads, as more‐related individuals tend to rest closer to each other than less‐related ones. As for male–female dyads, individuals of a similar age tend to stay closer. To rule out any familiarity confounding effects, individuals’ cohabitation time in the herd was added as a random factor in the analyses. Concerning the type of dyad, mother–calf dyads are characterized by higher proximity than others, particularly during the suckling period, whereas males tend to stay closer to each other than females or male–female dyads, being also more kin‐related. Female social rank does not influence spatial association between herdmates. These results are related to group composition of the species in the wild, which are characterized by intense mother–calf bonds and all‐male groups that are probably kin‐related. It is seen that adult male–female associations are not related to kinship, but to age similarity, which is in accord with the assumption that main family groups in the wild are formed by matrilineal lines, whereas males are the dispersing sex.

Complete nucleotide mtDNA sequence of Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia)

In this report we describe the complete sequence of the mtDNA genome of Ammotragus lervia (Barbary sheep or aoudad) as obtained by PCR and sequencing with primer walking using flanking sequences. The molecule is 16,530 base pairs in length, resulting similar to those of goat and sheep. The genome organization matches to those of other mammalian mitochondrial genomes. The phylogenetic position of the Ammotragus relative to twelve other mammalian species was assessed based on protein-coding sequences. A goat-aoudad split of 9.9-8.9 MYBP has been estimated, whereas the divergence ancestor/caprines was dated at 12.1-10.8 MYBP.

DIGITAL CEMENTUM LUMINANCE ANALYSIS AND THE HAUA FTEAH HOMININS: HOW SEASONALITY AND SEASON OF USE CHANGED THROUGH TIME*

The importance of environmental seasonality and the seasonal cycling of resources to human populations make studies of human responses to seasonality useful to test hypotheses about short‐ and long‐term changes in human behaviour. This paper utilizes digital dental cementum luminance analysis in order to better understand patterns of the seasons of death of Ammotragus lervia at Haua Fteah, Cyrenaica, and to test whether long‐term climatic changes can be detected in dental cement. The overall pattern of the season of death of A. lervia at Haua Fteah is that of year‐round utilization, with a slight increase over time in A. lervia use during the growth period/summer time. The use of digital cementum luminance analysis (DCLA) to detect changes in the seasonal differences between temperatures indicates a trend for increased seasonality in temperature over the past 40 000 years at Haua Fteah. Furthermore, DCLA patterns in the more recent assemblages indicate a shift to a warmer climate from Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 to MIS 1.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium from animal sources in Qinghai province of China

The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in 20 zoo animals of the Xining Zoo, 16 farm yaks and 42 farm goats in Qinghai province, China was investigated by an immunofluorescence test (IFT). The species and/or genotypes were determined by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis of a fragment of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in 16 zoo animals, 2 yaks, and 15 goats by IFT. The IFT positive samples were further investigated by PCR, and 16 of them were found to be positive by that method also. Sequence analysis of the PCR products derived from Cryptosporidium oocysts from Black leopard (Panthera pardus), Heijing He (Grus nigricollis), Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), Lesser panda (Ailurus fulgens), and White-eared pheasant (Crossoptilon crossoptilon) fecal samples matched that of Cryptosporidium parvum mouse genotype. Sequence analyses of other PCR products were consistent with cervine genotype Cryptosporidium from Ibex (Capra ibex), a novel Cryptosporidium genotype from a wild yak (Bos mutus), C. bovis-like genotype from one goat sample and also a novel Cryptosporidium genotype from one other separate goat sample. The present work reports the first data on Cryptosporidium infections in animals from the Qinghai province of mountainous central western China and the first findings of the 'cervine' genotype in Capra ibex, C. bovis-like genotype and the new Cryptosporidium spp. in farm goat and in wild yak.

Invasive exotic aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) as a major threat to native Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica): a habitat suitability model approach

ABSTRACTThe introduction of alien species to new environments is one of the main threats to the conservation of biodiversity. One particularly problematic example is that of wild ungulates which are increasingly being established in regions outside their natural distribution range due to human hunting interests. Unfortunately, we know little of the effects these large herbivores may have on the host ecosystems. This study deals with a first comparative analysis of the habitat requirements of two ungulate species that may be facing competition for resources in the south of Europe: the native Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) and the exotic aoudad (Ammotragus lervia). The aoudad is a North African caprid introduced in 1970 as a game species in south‐eastern Spain. It has adapted well, and populations have been freely expanding since then. Ecological Niche Factor Analysis is used to describe the realized niche of both species where their distribution ranges merge. Both species occupy marginal areas of rugged terrain in the region. Marginality is higher for the Iberian ibex, which also presents a higher tolerance of secondary environmental gradients than the aoudad. Highly suitable areas for each species are secondarily suitable for the other. Reclassified and cross‐tabulated habitat suitability maps showing the areas of potential spatial coexistence and differences in ecological traits between both species are provided. The results obtained do not allow inferring resource competition between these species. However, current aoudad expansion could result in it invading the favoured habitats of the ibex. Inadequate hunting policy and monitoring, and increasing climatic resemblance of the study region to the native aoudad areas, due to a strong desertification process, are facilitating a high rate of expansion. We strongly recommend to eradicate or, at least, monitor these exotic populations, and promote active conservation practices, if one wants to preserve the unique natural resources present in this European region.

Prospects for population expansion of the exotic aoudad (Ammotragus lervia; Bovidae) in the Iberian Peninsula: clues from habitat suitability modelling

ABSTRACTWe studied the geographical distribution and habitat suitability of an introduced ungulate, the aoudad (Ammotragus lervia), that is currently expanding its range in south‐eastern Iberian Peninsula. We assessed the niche of the species using Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) on (1) environmental variables (climate and habitat type), and (2) potential aoudad landscape avoidance and human disturbance variables. We compared both niche descriptions to study the impact of human interference on niche selection of the species. ENFA models were calibrated using data on the population expanded from the original release location, in Sierra Espuña mountains, and validated using data from another free‐ranging population, originated independently in the Alicante province. The habitat suitability model for the purely environmental niche predicts a potential distribution along a SW–NE axis in the study area, following the Cordillera Sub‐Bética mountain range, being constrained by low winter precipitation, high altitude, high terrain slope, and the presence of forest. In addition to these ecological traits, roads and landscape use restricted the environmental range potentially available for the species. Since the aoudad is a potential competitor of native ungulates and a threat to endemic flora, prospects for its potential dispersion might be of great conservation value.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in non-carnivorous wildlife from Spain

Serum samples from 1034 non-carnivorous wildlife from Spain were tested for antibodies to Neospora caninum by competitive screening enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). High agreement was observed between results in both techniques (kappa value higher than 0.9). Prevalences of N. caninum antibodies positive by both techniques were 11.8% of 237 red deer ( Cervus elaphus), 7.7% of 13 barbary sheep ( Ammotragus lervia), 6.1% of 33 roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus) and 0.3% of 298 wild boar ( Sus scrofa). In one of 53 hares ( Lepus granatensis), antibodies were found in the ELISA but could not be confirmed by IFAT due to lack of sample. Antibodies to N. caninum were not found in any of 251 wild rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus), 79 fallow deer ( Dama dama), 27 mouflon ( Ovis ammon), 40 chamois ( Rupicapra pyrenaica) and three Spanish ibex ( Capra pyrenaica). Statistically significant differences were observed between N. caninum seroprevalence in red deer and management of hunting estates (open versus fenced) with higher prevalence in fenced estates, and among sampling sites. Seroprevalence was particularly high in some areas (MO estate in South-Central Spain or some estates of Catalonia, North-East Spain), while no contact with N. caninum was observed in others. Results indicate that in certain areas of Spain, N. caninum is present in wildlife, especially in red deer. These results have important implications in both sylvatic cycles and may influence the prevalence of infection in cattle farms in those areas. To our knowledge, this is the first report of antibodies to N. caninum in wildlife from Spain and the first report of N. caninum antibodies in barbary sheep and wild boar.

Barbary sheep ( Ammotragus lervia): The structure of the adult β-globin gene and the functional properties of its hemoglobin

The adult β-globin gene of Ammotragus lervia (Barbary sheep or aoudad) has been sequenced completely, including 185 base pairs of 5′ flanking region and 168 base pairs 3′ to the stop codon, and compared with that of other caprines such as goat ( Capra hircus), wild Corsico-Sardinian ( Ovis aries musimon) and Cypriot ( O. a. ophion) mouflons, and domestic sheep ( Ovis aries). The gene was identified as being located on a triplicated four-gene set cluster containing the HBBA locus (A-haplotype) as is the case of goat, sheep of the Hb A type and Corsico-Sardinian mouflon. Phylogenetic analyses support the evidence that caprines share a common ancestor that probably carried the A-haplotype and that a more recent deletion of a gene set gave rise to the duplicated cluster containing the HBBB locus (B-haplotype) found in sheep of the Hb B type and Cypriot mouflon, which evolved independently. Data also suggests that the Ammotragus β-globin gene is older than genes of the examined caprines and indicates it followed an independent evolution after separating from species having the same HBBA locus. Similarly, phylogenetic analyses of β-globin chain sequences suggest a different evolution for globins coded by the HBBA locus with respect to the HBBB. Ammotragus β-globin chain shows all the amino acids responsible for the low oxygen affinity of ruminant Hbs. Investigations on the oxygen transport properties indicate that the intrinsic oxygen affinity of aoudad Hb is higher than the Hb B of the domestic sheep and, at the same time, more similar to that of other A type Hbs, whereas in the presence of the Cl − effector the oxygen affinity is approximately the same as that of the other species.

Molecular Evolution of Coding and Non-coding Sequences of the Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) Gene in the Family Bovidae

The GHR gene exon 1A and exon 4 with fragments of its flanking introns were sequenced in twelve Bovidae species and the obtained sequences were aligned and analysed by the ClustalW method. In coding exon 4 only three interspecies differences were found, one of which had an effect on the amino-acid sequence--leucine 152 proline. The average mutation frequency in non-coding exon 1A was 10.5 per 100 bp, and was 4.6-fold higher than that in coding exon 4 (2.3 per 100 bp). The mutation frequency in intron sequences was similar to that in non-coding exon 1A (8.9 vs 10.5/100 bp). For non-coding exon 1A, the mutation levels were lower within than between the subfamilies Bovinae and Caprinae. Exon 4 was 100% identical within the genera Ovis, Capra, Bison, and Bos and 97.7% identical for Ovis moschatus, Ammotragus lervia and Bovinae species. The identity level of non-coding exon 1A of the GHR gene was 93.8% between species belonging to Bovinae and Caprinae. The average mutation rate was 0.2222/100 bp/MY and 0.0513/100 bp/MY for the Bovidae GHR gene exons 1A and 4, respectively. Thus, the GHR gene is well conserved in the Bovidae family. Also, in this study some novel intraspecies polymorphisms were found for cattle and sheep.

Balantidiasis in the gastric lymph nodes of Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia): an incidental finding

A 4-year-old female Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) was found dead in the Gwangju Uchi Park Zoo. The animal had previously exhibited weakness and lethargy, but no signs of diarrhea. The carcass was emaciated upon presentation. The main gross lesion was characterized by severe serous atrophy of the fat tissues of the coronary and left ventricular grooves, resulting in the transformation of the fat to a gelatinous material. The rumen was fully distended with food, while the abomasum evidenced mucosal corrugation with slight congestion. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of Balantidium coli trophozoites within the lymphatic ducts of the gastric lymph node and the abdominal submucosa. On rare occasions, these organisms may invade extra-intestinal organs, in this case the gastric lymph nodes and abomasum.

Ecological effects and distribution of invasive non‐native mammals on the Canary Islands

ABSTRACT The ecological effects and distribution of 13 invasive non‐native mammal species on the Canary Islands are reviewed. Six species, representing six different taxonomic orders, are widely distributed and live on all seven main islands of the Canarian Archipelago: Felis catus, Capra hircus, Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, Mus domesticus and Oryctolagus cuniculus. Atelerix algirus is found on four islands while six further species are present on only one island: Crocidura russula, Suncus etruscus, Rousettus egyptiacus, Ovis gmelini, Ammotragus lervia and Atlantoxerus getulus. Five species have an omnivorous diet, four are herbivorous, two insectivorous, one frugivorous and one carnivorous. The ecological effects and damage caused by these species in the natural habitats of the Canaries are similar to those in other insular regions. To our knowledge, the effects of two species, A. lervia (herbivorous) and A. getulus (omnivorous), are as yet unreported for other insular environments. Two of the most pernicious effects caused by invasive non‐native mammal species in the Canaries consist of predation by feral cats of the three giant lizard species present in the western islands, but especially Gallotia gomerana, which is now on the verge of extinction; and the damage that the four species of herbivores cause to the endemic flora of the archipelago.

Nuevas citas de arrui Ammotragus lervia (Pallas, 1777) en el Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas: obtención mediante encuestas

New records for Aoudad in the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park by means of inquiries The presence of the Aoudad Ammotragus lervia (Pallas, 1777) in the Iberian Peninsula is a relatively recent fact. The increase in the distribution area in the Iberian Peninsula of this North African ungulate is a process that seems to continue without interruption since the first individuals were introduced in Sierra Espuña (Murcia) in 1970, like game species. By means of polls we tried to verify the presence of this caprinae in the Sierras de Cazorla Segura y las Villas Natural Park (Jaén, South of Spain). This presence has been confirmed with the obtaining of 17 records within the protected area, which provide 6 new records. On the other hand we try to evaluate the degree of knowledge that the inhabitants of the zone and keepers of this Natural Park have about this specie. In generally the inhabitants of the zone showed a little knowledge of this ungulate. The obtained results of the surveys shows that the group of keepers show a greater degree of knowledge about Ammotragus. In general it does not even seem to exist a social conscience on the possible effects that could derive from the presence of this exotic specie

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in red deer ( Cervus elaphus) and other wild ruminants from Spain

Serum samples from 441 red deer ( Cervus elaphus) and 161 other wild ruminant species, collected between 1993 and 2005 from six regions of Spain were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by the modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies to T. gondii (MAT 1:25 or higher) were detected in 15.6% of red deer. Statistically significant differences were observed among sampling sites with seroprevalence in red deer from Catalonia (42.2%) being significantly higher compared with other Spanish regions (8.7%) ( P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were not observed between T. gondii seroprevalence and sex, age or management of hunting estates (open versus fenced). Seroprevalence of T.gondii infection in other ruminants species was 24% of 79 fallow deer ( Dama dama), 21.8% of 33 in roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus), 33.3% of three Spanish ibex ( Capra pyrenaica), 20% of 10 chamois ( Rupicapra pyrenaica), 10% of 10 barbary sheep ( Ammotragus lervia), and 14.8% of 27 mouflon ( Ovis ammon) in areas not including Catalonia, where no samples from these species were available. Serological results indicated a widespread exposure to T. gondii among wildlife in Spain and suggest that consumption of raw or inadequately cooked meat, as well as handling carcasses of wild game, should be taken into account as a source of infection for humans.

Du comportement symbolique des derniers chasseurs Mechta-Afalou d'Afrique du Nord

The symbolic behaviour of the latter Mechta-Afalou hunters of northern Africa. The symbolic universe of Mechta-Afalou’s men is very little known, as Prehistory was mostly interested in reconstituting industrial assemblages and technological modes of their obtention. We will try in this paper, on the basis of the last works of Afalou Bou Rhummel, to accede to some of those activities indirectly bound to subsistence. We will first focus on the longevity of the human occupation of this important rock shelter and of the neighbouring shelters inscribed within the bio-geographical unit of the coastal mountainous massif of the Babors. The territory has been occupied continuously by Iberomaurisian populations during more than eight millennia, just before Holocene. Access to food resources, requesting the numerous strata of nature, departing from fishing art possibilities and going through the universe of molluscs and different varieties of vertebrates, seems to have been controlled by those populations that have, nonetheless, shown a particular preference to the wild ship ( Ammotragus lervia). Populations have invested the different areas of the territory with different significance. To grasp each subtlety, far from it, is still not yet possible. Nevertheless, we ought to seek for the significance of choosing the Afalou Bou Rhummel shelter for the establishment of a necropolis gathering several tens of individuals, such as the westward and almost contemporary necropolises of Columnata and Taforalt. Those places were certainly meaningful enough for everyone to have wished to get buried there or at least not elsewhere, in other habitats even occupied at the same epoch. It happens that the shelter has also given, in the form of backed clay statuettes, the oldest artistic manifestations known up to now in northern Africa. This second fact represents the meeting point, in a living place, of two prominent facts of recent prehistory both characterising modern Men: the metaphysical fact and the aesthetic fact. To cite this article: S. Hachi, C. R. Palevol 5 (2006) .