Moufflon

The moufflon is a wild Ruminant, near to the Mouton of which it would be the ancestral species. It belongs to the family of the Bovidae , kind Ovis . It has large spiral and bent horns which are permanent. The term moufflon indicates in fact various species (see further).

Characteristics:

  • weight of the horns: 6 to 13 kg
  • adult weight: 25 to 50 kg (150 kg and more at the argali)
  • length of the horns of the male: 85 to 125 cm (up to 190 cm at the argali)
  • maximum speed: 50 km/h

Geographical distribution

The moufflons always live in mountainous regions. One finds some in Europe (the Alps, the Pyrenees, Corsica) in North America (Alaska, Canada, Rocky Mountains, and until in California), as in Asia on all the mountainous belt extending from the Altaï to the the Himalayas.

The Pyrenees

In the Pyrenees, they were practically exterminated by the stockbreeders of sheep which wrongly reproach them “for stealing” grass of their ewe.

High-Languedoc

The most important population of Mediterranean moufflons is in the massive of Caroux Espinouse. This solid mass is located in the department of the Herault, in the middle of the Regional natural park of High-Languedoc. The manpower of this population is estimated between 1.500 and 2.000 individuals, follow-ups regularly by scientists of the CNERA Faune of Mountain on the station of ground of ONCFS of Fagairolles.

The scientists work more particularly in the perimeter of a national reserve of hunting and wildlife (medical observations, captures, follow-ups…). Exits of observation of the species in its natural environment are possible near the tourist offices (Salvetat-sur-Agout, Lamalou-the-Baths…).

Savoy

The introduction into the countries of Savoy, from the moufflon dates from the 19th century, then Années 1950, one time when the hunters had ended up depopulating the solid masses through a too important hunting. He was then seen like an animal of interest hunting, was considered rather easy to draw as on the Bouquetin, with a peeling sought for his quality and his softness. The moufflon reproduced well but animal Mediterranean, it is rather badly adapted cold and to the moisture, which support at his place the intestinal infections and involve a strong mortality in the young people. Moreover, it has legs rather adapted to the climbing that with the snow which poses a true problem to him. The softer winters since the end of the Années 1980 support the moufflon, but the arrival of serious predatory like the Lynx and the Loup, risk to endanger it of disappearance.

Marquenterre (Somme)

This species was introduced into this area in edge of the Baie of Somme in the years 1980.

Central Asia

The moufflon Marco Polo (ovis ammon polished) is originating in Central Central Asia, one finds it with the top of 3600 meters up to 5500 meters. It can reach a poid of 150 kg and a length of horn of 170 cm.

Lifestyle

The moufflon generally lives in family small group from five to thirty individuals. As these animals live in altitude, they are far from familiar with the Homme and are thus very savage. So much so that in North America and Asia, the moufflon is an exceptional hunting trophy.

In spring, the engagements between the males are made hear with kilometers with the round: they entrechoquent their horns in a rather spectacular way.

Species of moufflon

One distinguishes:

External references

External bonds

  • the moufflon in mountain of High Languedoc
  • Image of a moufflon (africa-onweb.com)

Random links:Vaulx-in-vellum | Ablancourt | Al Ain | Saint-series | Network Art nouveau Network | Audrey McLaughlin | Banlieue_noire_de_Chapman,_comté_de_Clinton,_Pennsylvanie