ASIATIC MOUFLON

Zengezur National Park

An animal species belonging to the class Mammalia, the order Artiodactyla, and the family Bovidae. In Azerbaijan, it is distributed only in the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The weight of males is 45–74 kg, while females weigh 35–50 kg. The height at the withers is 80–90 cm in males and 80–85 cm in females. In spring, the coat is short, thick, straight, and sparse, with a rusty reddish-brown colour. In winter, the coat becomes grey or greyish-brown, with fine, long, and densely arranged hairs. Males have thick, large horns (up to 75 cm long) that curve sideways, upwards, and backwards. Females sometimes have horns reaching 15 cm in length. It inhabits arid areas. In autumn, due to snowfall in higher areas, it migrates to the middle and lower foothills, returning in spring. Some older males, together with young individuals, remain in groups in the foothills and lead a secretive lifestyle. The mating season begins in November and continues until early January.