Mammal · GBIF taxon 2441110
Domestic Sheep
Ovis ariesAlso known as Sheep, Domesticated Sheep
Domestic sheep are gentle, highly gregarious ruminants that form tight flocking bonds and communicate through distinctive bleats. Descended from wild mouflon, these adaptable grazers process tough pasture grasses using a specialized four-chambered stomach. Hundreds of specialized breeds exist globally today, raised for wool, meat, and milk across nearly every climate.
DomesticatedHerbivoreLivestock
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Herbivorous (grasses, clover, forbs, shrubs)
Predators
- Gray Wolf
- Coyote
- Domestic Dog
ThreatsPredation by wild carnivores, internal parasites, severe weather
HabitatsPastures, grasslands, open agricultural lands, hill farms
Life span10–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderArtiodactyla
- FamilyBovidae
- GenusOvis
- SpeciesOvis aries
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Generally safe and docile, though breeding rams can charge if startled or challenged.
Responsible observation
- Approaching: Move slowly from the side, as sheep have wide field vision but poor depth perception directly in front.
- Flock Dynamics: Avoid separating individual sheep from the group to prevent distress and panicking.
- Ram Caution: Give intact males space and avoid sudden movements that might trigger a defensive charge.
Ancestral Species Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Livestock Companion (c) Roy Lowry, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Wild Relative Jwanamaker / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative James Eaton / CC0 · cc0
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