EN
The paper presents the first Polish bibliography on mouflon that includes papers published in the years 1945−2014. Forty seven publications show diversified interest in mouflon depending on its population size. Three different periods of research activity and publishing were distinguished. The first one (1945−1960) called the ‘opening balance' was the time of assessment of mouflon in Poland after the World War 2. At that time, mouflon status as an alien species was not taken into account. After the first unsuccessful attempts of introduction, ‘period of ambivalence' in the research and publishing activity occurred. In years 1961−1990 only nine publications, mainly popular ones, about the biology and occurrence of the species in Poland, and the history of its introduction were published. Along significant increase in number in the early 1990s, there was a significant increase in interest in this species among scientists. Majority of Polish research on mouflon has been published in the ‘renaissance' phase (since 1991). Papers deal with genetic testing, parasitology or telemetry, but knowledge about the role of mouflon in the ecosystem is still insufficient. Preliminary analysis of the number of publications and their subject (figs. 1 and 2) clearly shows that despite its 70−year history in Poland, the mouflon is still little−known species. Well−documented history of the reintroductions and their development is accompanied by almost complete lack of knowledge about the ecology. In terms of hunting management, protection or elimination of this species from Poland, there are currently no any reliable information, which could be useful for decision−makers. Mouflon has been a species of small numbers, not causing severe damage to forests and fields, and apparently not influencing negatively other ungulates in the areas of its occurrence. Not being a source of hunting successes or environmental problems it still remains outside the interest of scientists. At first mouflon was promoted, but later on, sometimes after many years, researchers tried to answer basic matters. Currently priority should be given to the research on i) the genetic condition of all local populations and evaluate their stability, ii) the interaction between mouflon and other wild ungulates, iii) its dietary composition in terms of damage to forests and fields, iv) parasites in isolated populations and v) assessment of the future of the species in Poland in the time of significant increase in wolf population.