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Ovis gmelini ophion
Muflon de Chipre (Sp), Zyprisch Mufflon (G), Mouflon du Chypre (F). Sometimes called Cyprian red sheep.
DESCRIPTION Shoulder height 25-26 inches (64-66 cm). Weight 70-80 pounds (32-36 kg).
The Cyprian mouflon is the national emblem of the Republic of Cyprus. It is the smallest of all wild sheep, with a coat of bright foxy red or reddish-fawn, a large white saddle patch and a narrow white rump patch. In winter, the neck ruff is long and black. There is no bib. Muzzle, chin and throat are white, as are the underparts and lower legs. The horns are supracervical, sweeping backward and inward above the neck, with the tips sometimes only inches apart in older rams. The frontal-orbital edge is almost completely rounded off. Horn lengths of 23-24 inches (58-61 cm) are normal, with 28 inches (71.1 cm) the longest of record (Rowland Ward, 1982). Base circumferences are 7 to 8-1/2 inches (18-22 cm). Females are commonly hornless.
HABITAT Forested mountains. Inhabits the high ground during summer, moving down into lower valleys during winter, especially when there is snow above.
DISTRIBUTION The mountainous northwestern part of the Republic of Cyprus, which is the Greek (southern) part of the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean, mainly in the Paphos State Forest, at altitudes of up to 4,600 feet (1,400 m). May also survive in the forests of the Troodos Mountains of central Cyprus as high as 6,000-7,000 feet (1,200-2,100 m). In addition, two small captive groups are used to provide animals for release into the wild.
Outside Asia, Cyprian mouflons that are reputed to be purebred have been released on at least one private ranch in the United States.
STATUS Population estimated at 200 animals in 1970, at 500-600 in 1983, at 2,000 in 1988, but down to 1,200 in 1992. Poaching has been reduced considerably, but not completely eliminated. Except for a few museum specimens, to the best of our knowledge no animals have been lawfully collected since World War II. Listed as endangered by the USF&WS (1976) and the IUCN and on Appendix I of CITES (1975).
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