What kind of animal is a mouflon? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This animal is considered to be one of the original breeds of sheep, which are widely used as livestock around the world. It is an artiodactyl, classified as a member of the ovine family, and has a wide distribution, but it is actually an endangered species.
What is Mouflon? About basic status
The mouflon is an artiodactyl that is classified in the mammalian class Artiodactyla, bovidae, ovine genus. Its scientific name is Ovis gmelini, its body length is 110 – 145 cm and its weight is 25 – 90 kg.
| Japanese（和名） | ムフロン |
| English（英名） | Asia muflon/muflon |
| scientific name(学名) | Ovis gmelini |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Artiodactyla、 Bovidae、Ovis 哺乳綱、偶蹄目、ウシ科、ヒツジ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | NEAR THREATENED |
| Length（体長） | 110 – 145cm |
| Weight（体重） | 25 – 90kg |
About classification
Mouflon is an artiodactyl, but there is a theory that it is a cetacean artiodactyla, but it is considered to be either.
About habitat
Mouflon is distributed in Armenia, southern Azerbaijan, Iran, and Türkiye.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The mouflon’s fur is reddish-brown, brownish-brown, or blackish-brown, and tends to turn black in winter. The abdomen and half of the limbs are whitish, and the area around the eyes and mouth is also white. The mouflon is considered one of the original breeds of sheep, which are widely used as livestock around the world. The male’s horns turn in a spiral, but the female’s horns only have a trace. They live in groups of about 50 to 100 individuals and are active during the day. They prefer a variety of environments, from the coast to mountains and cliffs above 5,000 meters above sea level.
What is your personality like?
Males have a combative side and sometimes fight over females by violently clashing their large horns against each other, but females are the opposite and have a quiet personality.
What is the ecology like?
Mouflons are herbivorous, so they feed on plants, leaves, fruits, bark, etc. The gestation period is 150-180 days, and at a time she gives birth to 1-2 young. Lifespan is 12 to 18 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Mouflons are preyed upon in the wild by lynx, wolves, and brown bears.
Is mouflon an endangered species?
The mouflon’s habitat is being destroyed due to deforestation, and its population is drastically decreasing. It is currently an endangered species. Mouflon is protected in Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Turkey and Iran, hunting is not allowed without special permission. Since 2019, it has been listed in Appendix I of CITES.
Can mouflons be kept as pets?
Because of the above, Mouflon is extremely well protected. Therefore, it is not suitable for breeding. There is also information on viewing inside the zoo, so be sure to visit the official page.
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