Mammal · GBIF taxon 2441110
Ovis aries
ovis ariesAlso known as Domestic Sheep, Ewe, Ram, Lamb
Domestic sheep are highly social ruminants known for their strong flocking instinct, which helps them navigate open pastures and evade predators. They communicate through a variety of bleats, rumbles, and grunts, and they can recognize the faces of individual sheep and humans for years. These adaptable herbivores play a vital role in agricultural ecosystems worldwide by grazing down vegetation and producing wool, milk, and meat.
DomesticatedHerbivoreSocial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses, clover, forbs, and other herbaceous plants
Predators
- Gray Wolf
- Coyote
- Domestic Dog
ThreatsPredation, parasitic infections, and extreme weather events
HabitatsPastures, grasslands, agricultural fields, and mountainous rangelands
Life span10 to 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
- Safe to observe at a normal distance; avoid approaching protective rams.
Responsible observation
- Approach calmly: Move slowly and speak softly to avoid triggering their strong flight response.
- Watch the rams: Keep a respectful distance from intact males, which may charge to defend their flock.
- Offer treats safely: Feed sheep by holding your hand flat to prevent accidental pinches.
Ancestor Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion (c) Roy Lowry, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Jwanamaker / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Forest Service Alaska Region, USDA, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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