Barbary Sheep in Bou Hedma National Park Tunisia Postcard

Bou Hedma National Park, located in central Tunisia between the towns of Gafsa and Sidi Bouzid, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its blend of desert and steppe ecosystems. Established in 1980, it was created to protect the unique flora and fauna of the region, as well as to reintroduce species that once roamed North Africa but had disappeared due to hunting and habitat loss. The park covers roughly 16,500 hectares, featuring acacia woodlands, arid plains, and low mountains that create a variety of habitats. It is one of Tunisia’s most important wildlife conservation areas, home to reintroduced addax antelopes, scimitar-horned oryx, dorcas gazelles, and Barbary sheep. Predators like jackals and foxes also inhabit the park, alongside desert reptiles and a rich bird population. Bou Hedma is notable for its ancient Roman remains, including an aqueduct and ruins of agricultural estates, giving visitors a mix of natural and historical experiences. While it’s relatively remote, the park offers a rare opportunity to see critically endangered Saharan species in a protected environment that closely resembles their original habitat.