Hokonio Sheep are from the Hokonui hills in the heart of
Southland, New Zealand, where they have made the rugged and isolated Hokonui
Hills their home for more than a century.
At one time more than 2000 Merino sheep roamed the hills.
Today only about 100 remain feral. Another 100 to 150 are being retained in
domestic flocks.
Wild sheep were known to occur in this area as early as 1863 - only a few years after the first Merinos had been brought to the district.
Re-domesticated Hokonui sheep continue to display feral
behavior patterns. They build strong family groups, and quite frequently a
junior ram will stand guard over a younger lamb while the mother goes off to
feed.
Content and Photo Source: New Zealand Rare Breeds
(www.rarebreeds.co.nz).
About Hokonui Sheep
