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Mouflon Facts

Mouflon Facts
Mouflon is a type of wild sheep. There are 5 subspecies of moufon that can be found in Asia (Caucasus, Iraq and Iran) and Europe (mostly in Corsica, Sardinia and Cyprus). Mouflon inhabits partially open forested areas on the steep mountain sides. It can be also found on the mountain meadows. Major threat for the survival of mouflons is habitat loss as a result of increased agriculture. These animals are often targeted by recreational hunters because of their highly prized horns. Interbreeding with domestic sheep leads to creation of hybrids and decreases the number of genetically pure mouflons in the wild. Because of these factors, certain populations of mouflons are listed as vulnerable.
Interesting Mouflon Facts:
Mouflons can reach 4 to 5 feet in length and 55 to 220 pounds of weight. Males are much larger than females.
Mouflons are covered with wooly coat that is reddish to brownish on the back side of the body and whitish on the belly and lower parts of legs. Coat becomes thicker during the winter.
Mouflons have stocky body and muscular legs which facilitate movement along the steep terrains.
Mouflons have large, spiral horns that can reach 25 inches in length. Females of certain subspecies also have horns, but they are much smaller compared to the size of horns in males.
Horns of mouflon grow throughout its entire life. Size of horns determines status in the group: larger horns ensure higher position and greater dominance.
Mouflons are herbivores (plant-eaters). Their diet consists of different types of grass, shrubs and tree bark. Mouflons regurgitate food and chew it several times before it becomes ready for intestinal digestion.
Mouflons are nomadic animals. They often move to find new areas that provide enough food. During the winter period, mouflons migrate toward the lower altitudes to escape from the extremely low temperatures and lack of food.
Mouflons are nocturnal animals (active during the night). They spend majority of day time hidden in dense vegetation.
Main predators of mouflons are wolves, bears and jackals. Eagles often attack young mouflons.
Males and females live in separate groups. They mix only during the mating season.
Mating season of mouflons takes place from late autumn to early winter.
Males fight with one another to prove their dominance and get opportunity to mate.
Pregnancy in females lasts 5 months and ends with one or rarely two babies. Female moves away from the herd to give birth in well hidden place. Baby is able to stand on its feet and walk few minutes after birth.
Mouflons reach sexual maturity at the age of 2 to 4 years. Young males need to prove their strength and dominance before they get chance to mate. They usually mate for the first time when they reach the age of 7 years.
Mouflon can survive from 10 to 12 years in the wild.


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