EASIN - European Alien Species Information Network

Thread Discussion: Ovis aries - Ovis aries

Author: Kostas Tsiamis
Created On: 2/28/2020 8:15 AM

Responsible Member(s):
Riccardo SCALERA

Kostas Tsiamis
2/28/2020 8:15 AM

Is this species considered as alien in Spain? Perhaps in the Canary Islands? Thank you

Riccardo SCALERA
3/2/2020 9:56 AM

The species is alien in Europe, but exact distribution is unclear due to problems with nomenclature and the species being the same as the domestic sheep. In particular, the confusion with the nomenclature used for the mouflon is due to the fact that more names are (sometime wrongly) used as synonyms in the existing literature, e.g. Ovis ammon, O. aries, O. orientalis. For the mouflon, semi-domestic sheep introduced in ancient time in Corsica-Sardinia, and then translocated for hunting purposes in many other areas – the most correct scientific name should Ovis aries. In fact Ovis orientalis is a subspecies of Ovis aries. However, Ovis aries is also used for indicating the domestic sheep (from which the mouflon actually originated). Some experts may have different interpretations, in fact the mouflon is sometime referred to also as Ovis ammon, but this species should refer only to the argali, which has never been introduced outside its natural range (definitely not in Europe). This might create further confusion. See Mammal Species of the World (MSW) by D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder https://www.departments.bucknell.edu/biology/resources/msw3/browse.asp?id=14200825

Chiara MAGLIOZZI
11/3/2021 4:51 PM

Hi, following previous responses on Ovies aries. We have collected several recorded occurrences from GBIF on Ovis ammon in Europe, are these to be considered as Ovis aries instead?

Riccardo SCALERA
11/3/2021 5:07 PM

Ovis ammon is a valid species name, which was also used as a synonym for O. aries (see explanation here: https://www.departments.bucknell.edu/biology/resources/msw3/browse.asp?s=y&id=14200815 ) but I have no elements to say how the GBIF data have to be considered.

Chiara MAGLIOZZI
11/3/2021 5:29 PM

Many thanks for your response. We have the occurrence details for each record, would you be able to do a random check?

Riccardo SCALERA
11/4/2021 10:59 AM

I made a random check of the GBIF data, and while it is likely that some records of Ovis ammon are relative to the mouflon Ovis aries (especially in Europe), it is not possible to retroactively identify the correct species without a specific study. Consider also that the species may breed with the domestic sheep, hence various forms are likely to be around, hence not even pictures may be of help. I would just use the data as they are discussing on the confusion around the correct name, as it seems there is no basis to decide which should be the valid one (on this regard see also comments here : https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=552475#null ). Otherwise I would suggest to contact a specialist of Bovine/Caprinae for further advice.

Chiara MAGLIOZZI
11/4/2021 11:29 AM

All right, many thanks your inputs!

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