Arapawa

Arapawa sheep are a small heritage breed descended from feral sheep on Arapaoa, often spelled Arapawa, Island in New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds. Isolation, rough terrain, and natural selection shaped alert sheep with light frames, variable colors, and often horned heads. They are not a commercial terminal breed; their interest lies in survival genetics, island history, unusual fleece, and conservation of a rare population.

Arapawa flocks need handling systems that respect their quickness and primitive instincts. They can do well on modest grazing, but fencing, calm stockmanship, and predator protection are important because rushed animals can injure themselves. Wool varies and may appeal to handspinners more than commodity markets. Breeding should avoid casual crossing because small conservation populations depend on recorded lines and careful placement. For small farms, Arapawa sheep offer heritage value and toughness, not uniform lamb weights or easy commercial scaling.

Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Broken, Brown, Gray, Grey, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Roan, Silver, Solid, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points