Soay Sheep
by Christopher Teague Photography
Ovis aries
Seen around parts of British countryside, including the isle of Soay.
Also strong populations on the island of St Kilda, Cheddar Gorge & Rutland Water.
Have short tails and naturally shed their wool, which can be hand plucked (called rooing) in the spring and early summer.
About one kilogram of wool can be obtained from each animal per year.
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 the Mouflon or wild pattern).
Occasionally white markings on the face and/or body and legs occur.
Rarely self-coloured (solid colour with no markings) black or tan individuals are seen.