About Clarence Reserve Sheep Sheep

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).