Arapawa Island (sheep)
Encyclopedia
The Arapawa Sheep is a breed
of feral sheep found primarily on Arapawa Island
in the Marlborough Sounds
, New Zealand
, where they have probably been isolated since they were introduced in 1867. Although there are many theories of how the sheep arrived, it is generally accepted that they are descendents of Merino
strains from Australia
. The New Zealand Rare Breeds Conservation Society classifies this breed as "rare". This breed is raised primarily for wool
.
Due to living in a rather hostile and very steep terrain, this breed often looks hunched over as they carry their head and tail down most often. They have a light build and long legs making them a rather active breed. The head and face are narrow and clear while the ears are slender. They are naturally resistant to fly strike—a characteristic that would be beneficial in commercial flocks.
Most often, the Arapawa displays all black. However, quite often, white points are displayed. On rare occasions, an all white sheep can be observed. "Cocktail" Arapawas are those that are white spotted.
Breed
A breed is a group of domestic animals or plants with a homogeneous appearance, behavior, and other characteristics that distinguish it from other animals or plants of the same species. Despite the centrality of the idea of "breeds" to animal husbandry, there is no scientifically accepted...
of feral sheep found primarily on Arapawa Island
Arapawa Island
Arapawa Island is a small island located in the Marlborough Sounds, at the north east tip of the South Island of New Zealand.The island has a land area of...
in the Marlborough Sounds
Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds are an extensive network of sea-drowned valleys created by a combination of land subsidence and rising sea levels at the north of the South Island of New Zealand...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, where they have probably been isolated since they were introduced in 1867. Although there are many theories of how the sheep arrived, it is generally accepted that they are descendents of Merino
Merino
The Merino is an economically influential breed of sheep prized for its wool. Merinos are regarded as having some of the finest and softest wool of any sheep...
strains from Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. The New Zealand Rare Breeds Conservation Society classifies this breed as "rare". This breed is raised primarily for wool
Wool
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals, including cashmere from goats, mohair from goats, qiviut from muskoxen, vicuña, alpaca, camel from animals in the camel family, and angora from rabbits....
.
Characteristics
Ewes have no horns, but rams have long spiral horns that often measure over 1 metres (3 ft). The fiber is of Merino-like fineness.Due to living in a rather hostile and very steep terrain, this breed often looks hunched over as they carry their head and tail down most often. They have a light build and long legs making them a rather active breed. The head and face are narrow and clear while the ears are slender. They are naturally resistant to fly strike—a characteristic that would be beneficial in commercial flocks.
Most often, the Arapawa displays all black. However, quite often, white points are displayed. On rare occasions, an all white sheep can be observed. "Cocktail" Arapawas are those that are white spotted.