Forestry department completes safety project for Cyprus mouflon

The Cyprus Department of Forestry has announced the successful completion of a project aimed at protecting the island's iconic mouflon population in the Paphos state forest. The initiative involved the creation of specialized openings in the safety barriers along forest roads, which previously acted as obstacles that often trapped the animals within the road network.

This infrastructure intervention cost approximately €52,000 and was co-funded by EU Structural Funds. According to the department, this measure addresses a significant portion of the wildlife passage requirements in these forest zones, allowing the mouflons to move through their natural habitat safely and without human-made obstructions. Documentation of the project includes video footage confirming that the animals are now utilizing these newly created exits.

The department emphasized that this project is part of a broader, ongoing daily effort to manage and protect wildlife within Cyprus's state forests. While this specific phase is complete, officials indicated that management initiatives for the island's natural heritage will continue as a long-term conservation strategy.