Le mouflon en Ardenne : contresens écologique ou enrichissement de la faune autochtone ?

To begin with, a short quantitative description of the Ardennes' mouflon population is made. Before developing the arguments for and against the introduction of the mouflon in the Ardennes, a general survey of the present knowledge concerning the systematic position, the situation in the world and the eco-ethology of the species is given. The main interest in introducing the mouflon in the Ardennes is to hunt it. Other interests are indicated, such as : utilization of unoccupied ecological sites, tourism, improvement of the ovine breed, mouflon breeding for venison, or the use of this herbivorous like an auxiliary of forestry activities. The biological risks are treated first ; the genetic pollution and the excessive shooting which could have eliminate the corsican population . Then eco-ethological risks are discussed : cultural pollution, sanitary risks, native species exclusion and impact on the vegetation.