Corsican mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon var. corsicana), conservation of a threatened species on a Mediterranean island

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Allègre, Claire | Benedetti, Pierre | Sanchis, Frédéric | Portanier, Elodie | Comiti, Gladys | Bourgoin, Gilles | Garel, Mathieu

Edité par CCSD -

International audience. The Corsican mouflon, a protected species, belongs to the Ovis genus and constitutes a well-preserved genetic makeup of Asiatic mouflon that arrived on the Corsican island about 8500 years BCE. This flagship species holds significant heritage and cultural importance for the local communities. While sharing similarities with continental Mediterranean mouflon, the Corsican mouflon has historically received much less scientific attention. This knowledge gap has resulted in a less comprehensive understanding of its biology and ecology, despite the crucial need to identify and assess the primary and emerging factors threatening this species. However, the tide has recently changed with the accomplishment of several research programs encompassing a wide range of expertise, including genetics, spatial behavior, and health. Conservation efforts are also underway, bolstered by support from European and national policies. Specifically targeting the vulnerable southern population, intensive strengthening operations have been ongoing for the past three years, yielding valuable preliminary insights into the demographic parameters of this species in its natural habitat.

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