Mouflon Protection in Thuringia: A Different Approach
In a recent debate, Thuringia's State Secretary for the Environment, Burkhard Vogel, revealed that the ministry sees no need for special mouflon protection from wolves. The mouflon, a wild sheep species, is an introduced species in Germany, having been introduced at the start of the 19th century. Originating from the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, the mouflon population in Thuringia is relatively stable.
To date, the Wolf and Lynx Competence Center has reported 30 suspected wolf kills of wild animals, with only four confirmed cases, two each in Sonneberg and Ilm districts. There's no obligation to monitor wolf kills of wild animals, with confirmed cases only emerging from reported incidents.
The controversy surrounding mouflon protection has sparked conversations within Thuringia's political hub. Despite living in Germany for over 200 years, mouflons are considered introduced species, with wildlife management falling under state jurisdiction. Leaders in Bavaria and Brandenburg, for instance, have different wildlife management strategies compared to Thuringia.
Due to the stability and distribution of mouflon populations in Germany, as well as the comprehensive wolf management plan, the approach toward mouflon protection may differ from other wildlife species. The coexistence of mouflons and wolves, although not without conflict, could be attributed to the mouflons' adaptability and the natural predator-prey relationship.
Environmental ministries often have to prioritize resources, balancing the needs of various species and ecosystems. In this case, mouflon protection may not be the top priority. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Environment maintains an open dialogue regarding wolf-mouflon interactions within the broader context of wolf management and ecosystem balance.
