Camera Critters

Sunday, June 8th, 2008

Camera Critters

I’ve seen this Mouflon the last time I visted the zoo.

The mouflon sheep lives on the islands of Sardinia, Corsica and Cyprus. On its native islands it is considered to be endangered. It is a mountain sheep and a grazer. The animal does have a voice and warns other sheep by baaing in different tones. It lives in a grassland biome and feeds on grass. It does not hibernate. The mouflon sheep is the mountain sheep that develops a woolly undercoat in the winter. The sheep does not migrate, but might move around a little to find more food. It usually lives in groups of 20-30. The sheep uses its curved horns to protect itself.

In the summer months males live away from the females and the young. In late fall and early winter the males battle for possession of the females. The dominant males treat the defeated and lower ranking males as females. The gestation lasts about 5-6 months and from 1-3 lambs are produced in the spring. The mouflon sheep has been introduced into the mountains of Hungary, Austria and Czechoslovakia, and it was a successful experiment. The mouflon stands about 27 in. tall at the shoulders. It is a reddish brown color, marked with a dark stripe down its neck and shoulders.

Source: http://lsb.syr.edu/projects/cyberzoo/mouflonsheep.html

No Responses to “Camera Critters”

  1. Tammy says:
    June 8th, 2008 at 1:06 am

    What a beautiful shot!

  2. Misty Dawn says:
    June 8th, 2008 at 2:04 am

    Great post!!! Not only did you give us a great photo to enjoy and appreciate, you also gave us some educational information as well! Thanks for this!

    Misty Dawn’s last blog post..Camera-Critters #9

  3. Anna says:
    June 8th, 2008 at 3:18 am

    He looks like he’s thinking, “Do not take my picture.” But you did anyway, and I’m glad you did! I really enjoyed the information, too. I did not know about these sheep.

  4. Fishing Guy says:
    June 8th, 2008 at 3:43 am

    Charm: I enjoyed the lesson in the post and that sheep doesn’t look happy with you.

    Fishing Guy’s last blog post..Camera Critters 9

  5. Rhea says:
    June 8th, 2008 at 5:26 am

    Love the Mouflon! We had one on our ranch when I was younger. I love their horns. So regal looking.

    Rhea’s last blog post..Hangin’ in the shade -Camera Critters

  6. Corey says:
    June 8th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

    what an interesting and educational post! :)
    happy CC!

    Corey’s last blog post..Camera Critters~ MEOW

  7. Tamy says:
    June 8th, 2008 at 6:21 pm

    I wouldn’t mess with that guy! Great lesson.

    Tamy’s last blog post..National Ice Cream Month