Clarence Reserve Sheep are little-known sheep that
originated from a feral flock living in Clarence Reserve, Marlborough, NZ. They
are almost certainly of Merino origin - descended from escaped sheep brought
into the area in the early period of European settlement.
Clarence Reserve Sheep 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. Nearly all of them are
white, which is unusual in long-established feral flocks. They tend to be
"secretive" in their behavior and will often keep to themselves when
placed amongst commercial breeds of sheep. The fleece is fine but not very
heavy.
Content and Photo Source: New Zealand Rare Breeds (www.rarebreeds.co.nz).