Mating behaviour of wild sheep in captivity (Case study: Laristan Mouflon, Ovis orientalis laristanica)

The Laristan mouflon (Ovis orientalis laristanica) is considered as the smallest wild sheep in the world and a vulnerable species. This study analysed the mating behaviour of 30 individuals including nine rams, 13 ewes and eight lambs in captivity in the Chitgar woodland Tehran, Iran. In general, the main behaviours comprised ewe-ram and ram-ram positive and negative interactions, consisting of ram fighting and ewe's stimulation. Moreover, ewe-ewe interaction, ranking and defining the territory was recorded for further researches. The study also focused on weather conditions and its connection to the harshness of the mating behaviour.