Mouflon

Ovis gmelini

For a long time, the mouflon was considered the ancestor of today’s domestic sheep. Genetic studies, however, suggest that the European mouflon actually descended from early domestic sheep that became feral on Corsica and Sardinia around 8,000 years ago. Rather than being a true wild sheep, it is therefore a fascinating returnee to the wild.

The rams are easily recognised by their impressive, spiral-shaped horns, which continue to grow throughout their lives. During the autumn rut, males engage in spectacular head-butting contests. When their horns collide at full force, the loud crash can be heard from far away. Thanks to their extremely thick skulls, however, these clashes rarely result in serious injury.