Location: Europe
Habitat: Forests
Diet: Herbivore
Characteristic: Keen senses of sight and hearing
Conservation: The IUCN considers the European mouflon to be a wild population of ancient domestic animals and therefore does not provide an assessment of the conservation status of this subspecies.
The European Mouflon belongs to the Bovidae family and is a subspecies of wild sheep. They are native to mountainous and forested regions of Europe, particularly in countries like Corsica, Sardinia, and parts of the Mediterranean.
The Mouflon is a medium-sized ungulate (hoofed mammal) with a compact and robust body. Adults typically stand about 2 to 3 feet tall at the shoulder, with males (rams) being larger than females (ewes). They have a distinctive coat, which is usually reddish-brown or gray in color during summer, and turns darker and thicker in winter to withstand colder temperatures. Both males and females have curved horns, with the males' horns being larger and more impressive, curving in a circular manner.
Living in rocky and challenging terrains, Mouflons have evolved various adaptations to survive. Their keen senses of sight and hearing help them detect predators like wolves and eagles. Their nimble and sure-footed nature enables them to navigate steep cliffs and evade danger. Their thick, insulating fur protects them from harsh weather conditions, allowing them to inhabit high altitudes.
Mouflons are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are social animals and form herds led by dominant rams. These herds typically