Page 51 - Annual Magazine 2018

ANIMAL LIFE | MOUFLON

CHARACTER
The Mouflon is a shy
creature, preferring to
stay hidden in the brush,
venturing out only to
nibble on edible plants
and trees.

Mouflon mating season is usually in autumn, and it is at this time
Τ
when the animals move in large herds of ten or twenty males and
females. By spring, the herds have broken up into smaller groups of
two to three animals, while some males even prefer to go it alone,
wandering the forest solo until it’s time again to search for a mate.

PROTECTING OUR HERITAGE
Mouflon once roamed across the Troodos and Pentadaktylos mountain
ranges in large numbers. However, the introduction of guns and
influx of hunters on the island, combined with the lack of a suitable
protection policy, caused a rapid decrease in the Mouflon population.
In the 1930s in particular, numbers dropped frighteningly low, and
only 15 wild Mouflon were left in the Paphos forest. The Mouflon had
become an endangered species.
THE BEAUTY OF A DEER WITH THE AGILITY OF A GOAT
pines, cedars, and the earthy aroma of the soil, one hopes to catch a The Mouflons’ seasonal activity
High in the Troodos mountain range, engulfed by the fresh scent of
glimpse of the ever-elusive Mouflon. The ‘Ovis gmelini ophion’, or
pattern is quite variable,
IN SEARCH OF ‘Agrino,’ as it’s commonly known in Cyprus, is the island’s largest as the animals move to the
wild mammal, endemic only to these shores. The Mouflon is a shy
creature, preferring to stay hidden in the brush, venturing out only
the elusive to nibble on edible plants and trees. Its agile nature allows it to move high peaks of the Tripilos
very fast across steep slopes, making the Mouflon even harder to see,
and almost impossible to approach.
Mountains in Paphos.
MOUFLON SNEAK PEAK Since then, the hunting law has been revised, and draconian measures
Wildlife experts say that the best time for a Mouflon sighting is early
in the morning, before the sun rises too high, while the forest is still
quiet and mist drifts gently through the trees. Only then might an
eager hiker catch a glimpse of the magnificent, muscular Mouflon as
A large part of the Paphos Forest has been declared a Nature Reserve
he steps out to examine the morning air. A full-grown male can weigh taken to ensure that the Mouflon is protected and continues to thrive.
up to 35kg, but most impressive are the thick, curved horns that adorn under Forest Law, and the entire area is now included in the European
The curly-horned Cyprus Mouflon is a type of wild sheep, native only to the remote his head, each reaching up to 55cm long. The proud Mouflon is truly a network for protected areas, the ‘Natura 2000,’ forbidding the illegal
breathtaking sight to behold, albeit fleetingly, before he tosses his head
hunting and poaching of these dignified animals.
mountainous regions of Cyprus. Declared a vulnerable species after years of being and flees once more, disappearing into the dense woods.
hunted, these large animals now reside peacefully deep in the Paphos Forest. THE SYMBOL OF CYPRUS
MOVING WITH THE SEASONS Today, the Mouflon is no longer considered to be in any danger, and
The Mouflons’ seasonal activity pattern is quite variable, as the animals concerns for its disappearance have all but been eliminated. Indeed,
move to the high peaks of the Tripilos Mountains in Paphos. This the Mouflon is now held dear as an indispensable part of Cyprus’
mountain range stands at an altitude of 1,362 meters and overlooks the natural heritage. Its unique horned figure has become a familiar
Story by Rachel Chrysostom Cedar Valley. In the winter time, when snow blankets their stomping symbol for our island, having once adorned the entire fleet of Cyprus’
grounds, the Mouflon migrate to lower pastures in search of food, flag carrier airline, Cyprus Airways, and now prominently displayed
even venturing outside the confines of the forest. on the one, two, and five cent Cypriot Euro coins.

50 51

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