Muffelwild Schleswig-Holstein

Mouflon is the smallest wild sheep in the world and a naturalised member of the Schalenwild group in Central Europe. The founder population still survives on Corsica and Sardinia, the islands from which all European stocks ultimately derive. Mouflon have been kept as park and hunting game in Central Europe since the 16th century, with larger releases following in the 19th century in regions such as the Harz and Silesia. Rams (Widder) average 45 to 55 kilograms in body weight and are slightly larger than a roe deer, while ewes (Schafe) remain lighter at 30 to 40 kilograms.

The species favours open mixed forests with good visibility, dry heathland and stony low mountain terrain. Hard, rocky ground is essential, because only there do the hooves wear down naturally, on soft and wet soils horn overgrowth and foot rot quickly become a problem. Social organisation is clearly defined, ewes and lambs move together in flocks led by an experienced leading ewe (Leitschaf), young rams form separate bachelor groups, and older rams live largely solitary lives, joining the flocks chiefly during the autumn rut.

For hunting, mouflon are regarded as a classic species of mountain ranges and Mittelgebirge habitats. Traditionally they are pursued with careful attention to the structure of the flock, an awareness rooted in the species' long history as game of the baroque court hunts. The striking horns of the ram make it one of the most coveted trophies among native Schalenwild.