The Rare and Beloved Boreray Sheep of Scotland's Remote Islands

The Unique Boreray Sheep of Scotland

The remote Scottish island of Boreray is home to a unique and beloved breed of small sheep known as Boreray sheep. With their shaggy brown coats, large horns on the rams, and diminutive stature, Boreray sheep stand out among other domestic sheep breeds.

Origins of the Boreray Sheep

Boreray sheep are considered an ancient and endangered breed due to their isolation and small surviving population. They take their name from the tiny, uninhabited island of Boreray in the St. Kilda archipelago located over 40 miles off the Scottish west coast.

St. Kilda has evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age over 3,000 years ago. Experts theorize the Boreray sheep descended from early sheep brought to the isolated islands by these settlers. Without major predators, the sheep thrived in the rugged landscape and adapted to survive on the marginal grazing land.

Characteristics of Boreray Sheep

The challenging environment and isolation led to the Boreray developing into the unique sheep breed known today. They have distinct characteristics setting them apart from other domestic breeds:

• Very small size - among the smallest sheep in the world
• Long, shaggy dual coats to survive harsh weather
• Soft fine undercoat called "thel"
• Primitive markings such as badger-face patterns
• Spiral shaped horns present on rams
• Naturally shed wool coats

The small size offered survival value in the rocky Boreray terrain with scarce vegetation. Their dual coat, including the soft insulating thel layer, allowed them to thrive despite storms and cold. The Boreray developed as a low maintenance, rugged landrace breed perfectly adapted to their remote island environment.

Conservation of a Rare Breed

For centuries, the Boreray sheep lived in isolation with a stable population size. But events in the 1900s brought the breed close to extinction. After the last St. Kilda inhabitants left in 1930, Boreray sheep numbers dropped from 1200 to just 28 animals by 1974.

Realizing this unique island breed faced extinction, conservation efforts began capturing remaining sheep and relocating them to mainland Scotland. Special breeding programs helped expand and preserve the endangered breed by improving genetic diversity and fertility.

Current total global population stands between 600-800 individuals. While still considered rare and endangered, active breeding and conservation initiatives offer hope. Organizations like the RBST Watchlist now categorize them as “improving” thanks to these projects allowing the breed to survive extinction.

Importance of Primitive Breeds

The Boreray offers more than just an interesting heritage animal. Primitive landrace sheep like the Boreray provide important genetic diversity for the species as a whole. Although less productive than modern domestic breeds, they have unique adaptations and resilience.

Characteristics like natural resistance to certain sheep diseases, tolerance of poor forage, and lean yet flavorful meat offer potential benefits for the future. Protecting this diversity also provides insurance against unforeseen changes or threats impacting commercial modern breeds.

Boreray Sheep as Pets and Smallholders

Beyond conservation efforts, some people choose to keep Boreray sheep as pets or small-scale farm animals. Their small size, attractive appearance, and friendly temperaments make them enjoyable to raise.

Care Requirements

Caring for Boreray sheep shares similarities with other primitive breeds but also unique considerations:

• Can graze year-round but appreciate indoor shelter
• Require quality hay during winter months
• Susceptible to copper toxicity - avoid high copper feeds
• Hooves require regular trimming
• Lambs may need assistance finding udder due to wooly fleeces

Work with your veterinarian to address any specialized needs based on your environment. Provide proper housing and nutrition adjusted for local climates and available grazing to keep your sheep healthy and content.

Ideal Temperaments for Pets

Most sheep make excellent pets due to being gentle grazers that enjoy human company. And the small-framed Boreray breed has a particularly friendly and lively character making them fun companion animals.

Boreray sheep interact well with people and carefully supervised children. Their small horns minimize safety risks. But be sure to provide proper facilities and supervise outside time.

The Boreray personality helped save the breed from extinction. Even as numbers dropped dangerously low, their friendly temperament and human interactions ensured remaining flocks stayed manageable for transport off Boreray island to conservation breeding grounds.

The Legacy of the Boreray Sheep Lives On

From isolated island dwellers to endangered curiosities to conserved breed populations, the unique Boreray sheep have survived dramatic changes. While challenges remain, this primitive island landrace continues its legacy, offering value as genetics reservoir and friendly smallholders sheep.

FAQs

How big do Boreray sheep get?

Boreray sheep are very small, only reaching about 28 inches (71 cm) tall at the shoulder. Their weights range from 50 to 90 lbs (23 to 41 kg) fully grown. This makes them one of the smallest domestic sheep breeds in the world.

Why are Boreray sheep important to conserve?

Boreray sheep possess unique adaptations and genetics from centuries surviving in isolated island conditions. Protecting this diversity provides insurance against future threats to modern commercial sheep breeds. The Boreray also serve as an interesting living relic of the islands' history.

Are Boreray sheep good pets?

Yes, Boreray sheep make excellent pets. Their small size and friendly personalities allow them to interact safely with supervised children. They are intelligent and lively animals that enjoy human company. Proper enclosures and facilities still need provided.

What is the soft undercoat on Boreray sheep called?

Boreray sheep grow a light, fluffy undercoat beneath their shaggy outer wool coats. This fine layer helps insulate them from harsh Scottish winters. Uniquely, it is referred to as "thel" - an Old Norse word meaning "fur" remaining in local Scottish dialect.

Why were Boreray sheep moved from their namesake island?

After the human population abandoned the remote St. Kilda islands in 1930, Boreray sheep numbers dropped dangerously from over 1,200 to just 28 by 1974. Conservationists relocated the remaining sheep to mainland Scotland to build sustainable breeding populations in order to save the rare breed from extinction.