The Department of Forests successfully released 18 mouflon on 5 December from its species conservation facility at Stavros tis Psokas.
The action forms part of a long-term systematic effort to study, protect and strengthen populations of the mouflon, an emblematic and strictly protected mammal of Cyprus, according to the announcement.
The department fitted ten of the mouflon with special satellite transmitters to enable monitoring of their smooth integration into the natural environment.
“The use of these transmitters will provide valuable scientific data on the animals’ movements and behaviour after their release,” the announcement states.
The monitoring will also contribute to better understanding the relationship between mouflon and the department’s management actions, particularly regarding vegetation management for fire protection purposes.
The Department of Forests will continue its efforts consistently to conserve and strengthen the mouflon population, ensuring protection of the species and its habitat as well as Cyprus’ entire natural wealth.