Wild mouflons avoid starvation on Finnish island after winter feeding success

A population of wild mouflons on Säppi island off the coast of Luvia, southwestern Finland, has survived the winter without mass starvation, local hunters report, following concerns after dozens died of hunger in previous years.

The Reposaari Hunting Association, which manages the island’s mouflon population under an agreement with state forest agency Metsähallitus, confirmed that nearly all supplementary hay provided for the animals remained uneaten after winter. One of the island’s two grain dispensers also still contained food.

“It’s great to see the animals have emptied the nearly empty grain dispenser,” association chair Pasi Salminen stated, noting that winter survival does not depend solely on mid-winter refills. The group had previously acknowledged failures in feeding after over ten mouflons starved in winter 2024; this year, only one dead animal was found, with the cause still undetermined.

Around 30–40 mouflons, a non-native wild sheep species, live on Säppi, where they were introduced in 1949 for hunting. Their presence has sparked debate in the Satakunta region, particularly after past starvation incidents. This spring, hunters observed multiple herds, including one of over 20 animals, and anticipate the birth of lambs—five were born last year.

The association also plans to clean the island after winter. Finland’s total mouflon population, concentrated in Satakunta, Inkoo, and Nauvo, numbers around 100.