Is the Impact of the European Mouflon on Vegetation Influenced by the Allochthonous Nature of the Species?

The mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) is an introduced ungulate in continental Europe. It has adapted well to its occupied habitats over the last 150 years. Its growing population drawn increasing attention impact on autochthonous species, especially endangered ecosystems. allochthonous character, habitat selection, and feeding led scientists question raison d’etre of mouflons. mouflon’s space use foraging strategies highlighted some pressure elements it exerts those habitats. Mouflon trampling damage may be behind degradation rare, grasslands. We review studies discuss results limitations exclusion experiments evaluate extent mouflon-caused context density. forest attributed mouflons considering interspecies competition with other large herbivores such as red deer (Cervus elaphus) chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). Climate change makes differently when seeking shelter southern habitats; consequently, increased pressures suggest new challenges managing impact. research these direct impacts species; however, long-term effects herbaceous plant communities, rock grasslands, are still unclear. This true for influence under changing dynamics. Our intend set directions future density impact, coexistence or chamois, warming-climate-driven behavior change.