Two dead Cypriot mouflons were found at the base of high cliffs in the Troodos region. The grim discovery came to light after Cyprus-based photographer and blogger Bora Markovic posted drone footage on social media.
The video shows two animals lying on the ground, locking horns, surrounded by calm water and majestic rocks, creating a sharp contrast with the tragedy below.
According to preliminary estimates by experts, the mouflons could have engaged in a fight - such fights are typical during the mating period, when males demonstrate strength and try to gain a dominant position. It is assumed that the animals, having lost their balance during the struggle, fell off the cliff and fell into the lake, where they died.
The Cypriot mouflon is one of the symbols of the island and is one of the protected species. No more than three thousand individuals now live in the wild, and any loss causes a significant blow to the population. Forest Department representative Haris Nikolaou, commenting on the publication, noted that such incidents are deeply alarming, especially given the rarity and vulnerability of the species. He stressed that the death of these animals is a sad reminder of the need for enhanced protection of the nature of Troodos.
Ecologists are already using such video materials to analyze the behavior of mouflons and assess possible risks in mountainous areas. There are plans to expand drone monitoring in the near future to prevent similar tragedies and better protect endangered species in Cyprus.
Source: cyprus-mail.com
