The Cypriot Mouflon is a subspecies of the Asian wild sheep Ovis orientalis, and it is the conqueror in the forests of the island.
Up until a few decades ago, it was endangered to become extinct, since the number of the animals had been decreased to 15. After some drastic measures that have been applied, thus prohibiting mouflon hunting, just a few years earlier the number has increased to 3500.
It is a very shy animal and it avoids humans (humans were hunting for them for 8000 years, so it learnt to avoid them) therefore you will rarely see one if you ever do so. The areas it usually lives in and reproduces, is mainly the forest of Paphos, although you may see some in the area of the western forest of Troodos.
The hunting fund of Cyprus has taken the undertaken the protection of the animal from illegal hunters. In the meanwhile, questions arise concerning the mouflon hunting permits that are handed so as to control their maximum number.
Read everything you wish to know about the animal:
http://www.aboutcyprus.org.cy/
