Mouflons on Tenerife were introduced to the island in 1971 for hunting purposes, and they now pose a threat to the island’s native flora.
This smallest member of the wild sheep family is characterized by its massive horns, which grow larger with age, curling back behind the ears and reaching up to 85 cm in length. Rams have an average shoulder height of 75 cm and can weigh up to 50 kg.
This herbivore was introduced to Tenerife half a century ago as big game and currently threatens at least 14 native plant species. Since 2017, two hunting seasons are held each year, in late May and October, to control the mouflon population in Teide National Park.
Damage
During the 2021-2022 hunting season, 235 mouflons were culled, while the island government – Cabildo de Tenerife – has set a minimum quota of 137 mouflons for this year, aiming to surpass the previous year’s total. This species, exotic and introduced to the island, is invasive and harms the native biodiversity. For this reason, the mouflon must be eradicated from the island.
In 1971, eleven mouflons were flown to Tenerife to introduce a big game species to the archipelago. As on La Palma, the mouflons were placed in an unfamiliar ecosystem, yet they adapted remarkably well. The population grew and now poses a threat to several native plant species.
Research
Research conducted by Dr. Juan Luis Rodríguez Luengo, a Biological Sciences expert, confirmed through stomach content and fecal analysis that mouflons consume 14 endemic Canary Island plant species, 12 of which are unique to Tenerife. Dr. Rodríguez suggests that up to 35 additional endemic plant species on Tenerife could also be at risk.
It is estimated that between 1,000 and 2,000 mouflons have been removed from their habitat through hunting and capture since their introduction to Tenerife in 1971. They are currently found in Teide National Park and the Corona Forestal.
Political Inaction
In the highlands, these sheep with their distinctive horns prefer to feed on broom, tussock grass, and mountain grass, while in pine forests they consume broom, malpica, and Canary Island pine. Their herbivorous diet also includes some plants listed in the Canary Islands’ endangered species catalog, such as the silver thistle (Jarilla de Las Cañadas).
Due to a lack of decisive action (read: political will), mouflons have yet to be eradicated. The hunting community holds significant influence over the political establishment. There are 12,000 licensed hunters, over 1,000 of whom hold permits specifically for big game.
Pixabay © Photography
Mouflons on Tenerife ©
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