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Soay Sheep

Ovis aries

Small (25-40kg), hardy breed of domestic sheep. Normally brown in colour (ranging from tan to chocolate), with lighter faces, underside and rumps.

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Habitat

Often used in conservation grazing schemes in woodlands, hillsides and rocky areas due to their hardy nature.

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Behaviour

Herd animals, with a group of sheep known as a “flock”. The flock is led by a dominant individual (normally a ram), and rams assert their dominance over a single group of ewes (females) for mating rights by fighting.

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Did you know?

  • Soay sheep shed their wool naturally, so there is no need for shearing.
  • Soay sheep are resilient to a lot of ailments that affect other breeds of domestic sheep such as parasites and foot rot.
Distribution

Descended from a population of feral sheep found on the Scottish Island of Soay. Have since been transported to other UK islands and mainland UK.

Diet

Vegetation, grasses, legumes and forbes being ideal.

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