Origin:
The mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon), often considered the smallest species of wild sheep, originates from the Mediterranean region, specifically Corsica and Sardinia. It was later introduced to many European countries, where it has successfully adapted to the forested and mountainous areas.

Specifics:
Appearance: The mouflon has a slender body with brown fur, which has a thicker and darker undercoat in winter. Males are characterized by their massive curved horns, while females are either hornless or have small horns.

Size: Adult mouflons reach a height of 60–75 cm at the withers and weigh 25–50 kg, with males being larger and heavier than females.

Behavior: Mouflons live in herds, often separated by sex, with older males moving alone or in small groups.

Interesting facts:
Mighty horns: The horns of males are very prominent and can reach a length of up to 90 cm. They serve in dominance battles and as an impressive trophy for hunters.
Mountain agility: Mouflons are exceptionally skilled climbers, which allows them to inhabit steep and rocky slopes.
Adaptability: During centuries of introduction, mouflons have successfully adapted to various climatic conditions and habitats, from forests to mountain meadows.
Occurrence:
The original populations of mouflons are found in Corsica and Sardinia. Introduced populations are widespread in several countries of Central Europe, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Austria. They prefer forested and mountainous areas with plenty of food and shelter.

Hunting of the mouflon:
Hunting the mouflon is popular in Central and Southern Europe, where its populations are stable. The trophy in the form of powerful horns is highly valued. Hunting is most often carried out in the fall, when males enter rut and are more active. Mouflons pose a challenge to hunters due to their alertness and movement in difficult mountainous terrain. Regulated hunting ensures the protection of their populations and the biodiversity of the sites.