It was regrettably really sad news for the griffon vultures of Cyprus, as yet another male bird was found electrocuted, but luckily and thanks to tireless efforts, fortunes are looking up for the emblematic moufflon, as an additional 18 animals were released in the Paphos Stavros tis Psokas forest-their main ecosystem on the island-part of intensified efforts to boost populations.
Forestry Department personnel who released the moufflons into the wild on December 5th, will be closely monitoring the endemic goats' integration to the area through satellite GPS placed on ten of the animals, a tracking action that also aims to protect, following movement and patterns of behaviour by the majestic mammals, who have always been the ultimate, timeless symbol of local natural history and an international image of Cyprus.
The data collected by trackers will facilitate the better understanding of what such movements and behaviour means in terms of daily life, but also improve management practices, such as vegetation volumes for fire protection purposes.
'This action constitutes a timeless Forestry Department strategy for the survival of the moufflon, also underscoring the importance of protecting its ecosystem, as well as the island's natural wealth,' officials said.
The current population of mouflons (Ovis gmelini ophion) in Cyprus is estimated at over 3 thousand. The population is considered stable and is primarily located in the Paphos forest.