Credit: natur&emwelt
Luxembourg has what is known as a Temperate Climate in which winters are generally mild and summers comparatively cool, with rainfall that can be high; its flora and fauna have thrived in and adapted to this climate over the centuries and millennia, with ongoing challenges due to pollution and recent climate change, as well as the introduction of non-native species, resulting in disruptions to the norm.
Nevertheless, with various initiatives and organisations helping the ecosystem and habitat, including sustainability and re-wilding, there is a lot happening in nature across the Grand Duchy.
Chronicle.lu has teamed up with natur&emwelt (the non-profit organisation (naturemwelt), the foundation (Hëllef fir d'Natur) and the Wildlife Care Centre (Flegeestatioun)) for a series of articles on Luxembourg's fauna in which we look at various mammals, birds, insects, amphibians and aquatic animals, as well as touching on vanishing species returning to Luxembourg, focussing on their lifestyle and habitat, including when and where to observe them.
No. 24 in this series focuses on the European Mouflon.
The European mouflon, a wild ancestor of domestic sheep, roams pastures and hills. The Oechelter Reserve provides a safe refuge where this iconic species can live and reproduce freely.
The mouflon measures 1.2 to 1.4 metres in length and weighs between 25 and 45 kg. Males have large, curved horns, often spiraled, while females have shorter, thinner horns. Its coat ranges from reddish-brown in summer to darker brown in winter, with a light-coloured back stripe and paler flanks. Strong legs and sturdy hooves allow it to navigate steep and rocky terrain with agility.
Lifestyle
Mouflons live in distinct social groups: males form bachelor herds, while females and their young form matriarchal groups. They are mainly herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, buds and young shrub shoots. Highly vigilant, they are most active at dawn and dusk, alternating between grazing and resting. Breeding occurs in autumn, when males compete for females during the rut. Mouflons help maintain ecological balance by regulating vegetation and supporting the diversity of open and semi-open habitats.
Habitat
The Oechelter Reserve, near Bilsdorf, east of Esch-sur-Sûre, is a natural amphitheater surrounding a spring, featuring a mix of pastures, hedges and forest edges. The presence of gorse, fruit shrubs and isolated trees provides cover and food. The north- and south-facing slopes, along with transitional forest areas, create varied microhabitats. This mosaic of open and semi-open spaces is ideal for mouflons, which favour clearings while having access to refuge and resting areas.
Where and When to See Them
Mouflons can be observed year-round in the Oechelter Reserve, especially early in the morning or late afternoon when they are most active. Along the Bilsdorf Sculpture Trail, tracks or glimpses of the herd can be seen from open pasture areas. The semi-open reserve allows animals to remain visible on sunlit slopes, especially near hedges and fruit trees where they forage and take shelter.
Observation Tips
To observe mouflons without disturbing them, remain discreet and use binoculars. Walk slowly along the rural path and favour elevated spots or forest edges. Keep a respectful distance and avoid restricted areas to ensure their peace and preserve the integrity of the ecosystem.
