Soay Sheep

Ovis aries

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

Habitat

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

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.

Family facts

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 (wild plants) being ideal.