RESULTS OF INVESTIGATIONS OF THE REPRODUCTION OF THE MUFFLON (OVIS-AMMON-MUSIMON)

Investigations on the reproduction of mufflons were conducted in 4 regions of eastern Germany. Data were collected from direct observations of animals in enclosures, as well as from a partly accustomed wild population and from pregnant animals. The rutting season occurred during the first 10 days of November, the lambing season in the beginning of April. The gestation period was about 153 days. Summer births are the result of early puberty, while twin births or autumn births are mainly produced by adult animals in good condition. The proportion of male sheep was slightly higher, though there is evidence that the sex ratio is dependent upon age and environmental factors. The proportion of animals within the hunting allowance is high - at least 80% of the female population present on April 1. No evidence of significant pre-, peri-, and postnatal reductions were observed. A large number of female lambs can be expected in thriving populations. Regulation by shooting a higher proportion of lambs as well as overage sheep is necessary to maintain a productive population structure. The hunting season for female mufflons should end no later than January 31. Females giving birth in autumn need not be shot, though their lambs should be removed.