Wild mouflon sheep face starvation on small Baltic Sea island as authorities debate solutions

Over 30 wild mouflon sheep introduced decades ago to Säppi Island off Finland’s west coast are at risk of starvation, sparking debate over how to manage the non-native population, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

At least ten mouflons died of hunger on the island in 2024, yet Finland’s state forest agency Metsähallitus maintains current winter feeding is sufficient. The animals, brought from Corsica in 1949 as game for hunters, now number around 30 on the 150-hectare island, part of the Bothnian Sea National Park.

Local hunting association Reposaan metsästysseura, responsible for feeding the mouflons, acknowledges past shortcomings in supplementary feeding. While grain dispensers and hay are provided, experts note the animals can survive without grain if necessary. Since 2022, only six mouflons have been culled under the association’s agreement with Metsähallitus.

Officials stress mouflons are classified as wild game, not livestock, and their feeding aligns with wildlife management rather than domestic animal care. “This is a unique island with its mouflons—a jewel of the Bothnian Sea,” said Metsähallitus customer service director Mikael Nordström, noting their inclusion in the national park’s founding documents.

The animals, unable to swim and reluctant to leave the island even in winter, have no natural predators. While their population has fluctuated, concerns persist over their long-term viability. “If people feel a small, isolated population living this way is wrong, that’s a separate discussion,” said Metsähallitus wilderness chief Jussi Viitanen, suggesting seasonal grazing by domestic sheep as an alternative.

Säppi Island currently also hosts Highland cattle for conservation grazing, aimed at maintaining the island’s ecosystems.