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STATUS New Zealand: Rare Origin: Feral |
Clarence Reserve Sheep
A Rare Breed of New Zealand Origin
 Clarence Reserve ewes at Wild Things Trust (Photo by Michael Trotter) |
These little-known sheep originate from a feral flock living in Clarence Reserve, Marlborough. They are almost certainly of Merino origin – descended from escaped sheep brought into the area in the early period of European settlement.
They have clean faces and bellies and are largely dag free. Such features are typical of sheep which have evolved a resistance to flystrike. The rams have wideset horns. All of them are white in colour, which is unusual in long-established feral flocks. They tend to be "secretive" in their behaviour and will often keep to themselves when placed amongst commercial breeds of sheep. The fleece is fine but not very heavy.
A small number of this breed are held in domestication in North Canterbury where this photograph was taken.
