Stray dog packs threaten Cyprus mouflon population in Paphos Forest

Packs of stray dogs are posing a severe threat to the Cyprus mouflon population in the Paphos Forest, according to the Game and Fauna Service and local officials. The issue, which has intensified in recent years, affects the entire forest stretch bordering the buffer zone, specifically spanning from Orkontas to Pyrgos.

Ioannis Papadopoulos, the community leader of Kampos, highlighted the urgency of the situation after repeatedly witnessing dogs hunting mouflon in and around the village. Petros Anayiotos, spokesperson for the Game and Fauna Service, confirmed that authorities are well-aware of the problem, noting that the dogs frequently cross into the area from occupied territories. The impact on the mouflon is significant, as the attacks are disrupting reproduction rates and causing fatalities among both vulnerable and mature, healthy animals. There is also growing concern that these wild packs could eventually pose a risk to human inhabitants in the region.

While the Game and Fauna Service recognizes the gravity of the situation, the management of these stray packs remains an ongoing challenge for authorities. The service continues to monitor the region as the animals negatively affect the local ecosystem and wildlife protection efforts.