Arapawa

The most probable origin for the Arapawa feral sheep is that they are escapees of a flock of mainly Merino origin, known to have been introduced in 1867, the original stock having undoubtedly come from Australia. It is possible that they were introduced earlier by whalers who were the first European occupants of the Island. They are considered a rare and endangered breed. Arapawas are rather prehistoric-looking wild sheep.

They are not large sheep, being rather lean and light-boned. Their bulky fleece is of Merino-like fineness with a natural tendency to be shed, as occurs in most wild sheep.There are still some Arapawa sheep on the island and several thousand are now found in flocks throughout New Zealand.

Breed category: rare, feral