Soay sheep

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Soay sheep are a primitive breed of sheep (Ovis aries) descended from a population of feral sheep on the island of Soay in Scotland.

They are similar to the Mediterranean mouflon and, although their origins are uncertain, they are believed to have been deposited upon the island, part of the St Kilda archipelago, some time during the Bronze Age. They are much smaller than modern domesticated sheep but are believed to be hardier. A number of Soay sheep were translocated from Soay to the island of Hirta by the Marquess of Bute in the 1930s, after the human population was evacuated. The population is unmanaged and has been the subject of scientific study since the 1950s. The population make an ideal model subject for scientists researching evolution, population dynamics and demography because the population is unmanaged, closed (no emigration or immigration) and has no significant competitors or predators.

[edit] Breed Characteristics

The sheep have short tails and naturally shed their wool in the spring and early summer. Ewes are polled, scurred or horned and rams are either horned or scurred. They are most commonly brown or tan with a white belly, white rump patch and/or white patch under the chin (referred to as Mouflon or wild pattern). Occasionally white markings on the face and/or body and legs occur. Rarely self-colored (solid color with no markings) black or tan are also seen.

[edit] See also

• Domestic sheep
• Guard llama, llamas used as livestock guardians, mostly in the United States.
• Sheep shearing
• Wool

[edit] External Links

• Soay Sheep Society of the UK
• Soay Sheep Breeders Cooperative
• Open Flock Book Project- USA Soay Sheep Database
• Oklahoma State University - Soay Sheep
• Soays of America