Mouflon sheep are wild sheep that are found in different parts of the world. Their domestication began 7-11 thousand years ago. This happened in southwest Asia. Today the population of these animals is gradually decreasing. Mouflons have distinctive horns that attract hunters. However, some farmers raise these animals on their farms.
Description of the animal
These rams are of medium size. The length of their body is 150 centimeters, and the height at the shoulders can reach 92 centimeters.A characteristic feature of these animals are large horns twisted in a spiral. They have 3 sides and form a maximum of 1 turn.
In summer, mouflons have a yellow-red or reddish-brown color. In winter, the fur takes on a brownish tint. There is a dark stripe on the ridge. It is more pronounced in adult animals. There is a mane at the bottom of the neck. It includes white and black-brown hair. Young lambs have brown-gray fur.
Species and habitats
Mouflon is one of the smallest mountain sheep. They are found in Armenia, the Balkans, Crimea, and northern Iraq. There are also small numbers of animals in Cyprus, Corsica and Sardinia.
Scientists identify 3 most famous types of mouflons:
- Cyprus - lives only in forests and is smaller in size compared to individuals of other species. The color can be different - golden or brown. In this case, the belly, nose and bottom of the hooves have a white tint.
- European - it is characterized by short fur. On the back it has a reddish-brown color. The fur on the belly is white. In winter, the top of the body becomes brown-chestnut.
- The Transcaucasian is little more than a domestic sheep. The animal has a strong body and reddish fur. The chest is dark brown in color.
Mouflon behavior
Mouflons go out for food in the evening or early morning. They don't stay in one place for a long time. During the day, animals rest under bushes or hide under stones. This helps them protect themselves from predators. These rams are characterized by a well-developed herd instinct.They gather in large groups of up to 1000 individuals. Animals are also capable of forming close bonds. When separated, they experience severe stress.
What does a wild animal eat?
Sheep live in mountainous areas where little grass grows. Therefore, animals learned to dig up plant roots and find food on rocks. Depending on the availability of water and food, rams can move from place to place. Mouflons mainly feed on the following foods:
- cereals;
- branches and fruits of plants;
- roots;
- berries;
- green grass;
- foliage of fruit trees.
In summer, mouflons eat quite a lot. This is required to gain weight before winter. The stomach of animals can absorb solid crops, which is very important in the cold season. In winter, rams lose weight significantly, and some of them even die. Mouflons rarely experience water shortages. They can even drink salty liquids. Therefore, animals often settle in places where there is a lack of water. This helps them avoid encounters with predators.
Reproduction and lifespan
During the rutting season, males meet with females on the plains. At the same time, rams hold tournaments for the opportunity to mate. Such fights represent a clash of two males with horns. Sometimes weak males receive severe injuries and even die.
The rut can take place at different times. This may happen in March or December. Females form small herds, which include 10-15 individuals. 4-6 males come to them. At first they diverge by 20 meters, and then collide at high speed.
Sexual maturity of females occurs at 1.5 years, and for males at 3-4. Pregnancy lasts 5 months. After which 1-2 lambs are born.Within the first 2 hours they are on their feet. The cubs feed on milk for 4 weeks. They can then eat soft plants. At 3 years old, males leave the herd of females and look for their place in the hierarchy. Under natural conditions, the average lifespan of rams is 8 years, in captivity it increases to 10-15 years.
Natural enemies of mouflons
Animal enemies are different. It all depends on the habitat. Asian animals often encounter panthers, lynxes, and cheetahs. They may also suffer from attacks by brown bears, Transcaucasian tigers, and foxes.
European mouflons run the risk of encountering foxes, Sardinian lynxes, and martens. On rare occasions, sheep encounter wolves.
In European regions, mouflons are more protected from predatory animals, since hunting is difficult due to the mountainous landscape. At the same time, steppe eagles, golden eagles, and black vultures are dangerous for newborn lambs. They may also be attacked by a buzzard or kite. Mouflons cannot fight back against predatory animals. They only show aggression during the rut. Females are not able to protect their young. When threatened, they run away.
Population and species status
In the last century, mouflons were actively hunted, as a result of which the European species was in danger of extinction. To restore the population, individual individuals were distributed in southern Europe. Due to the lack of natural enemies, the population was restored. Mouflons are considered a source of tasty meat and strong leather, which is why they are still hunted today. However, Asian mouflons were not on the verge of extinction. This is due to the lack of commercial significance. Such animals are used as sport hunting objects. Their antlers are sold as souvenirs.
Can it be kept at home?
In captivity, animals are mainly bred to create hybrids with ordinary sheep. At the same time, their valuable characteristics can be increased. The fact is that the descendants of hybrids are highly viable and develop well. They are able to develop immunity to various diseases.
It is recommended to install an enclosure for mouflons on dry, rocky soil. The use of barbed wire is strictly prohibited. At home you can breed Corsican, Cypriot, Asian varieties. At the same time, the animals are characterized by a fairly high population density. This reduces breeding costs and reduces reproduction rates. Normally, 15 adult mouflons can be housed on 1 hectare. It is recommended to use modern methods of intensive grazing. Providing natural nutrition is of no small importance.
To provide mouflons with grass, it is recommended to level the soil, establish the nutrient content, prevent the spread of weeds, and disinfect the soil. In winter, mouflons should be given hay, cereal and vegetable mixtures, and sheep feed.
When introducing new individuals, quarantine should last at least 1 month. During this period, animals require careful monitoring. It is recommended to locate the enclosure on rough terrain with steep slopes. It is advisable that they be covered with bushes. Mouflons are quite rare and unusual animals. At the same time, some varieties of these sheep can be grown at home. However, for this they need to be carefully cared for.
