Blackheaded Somali Sheep

Ovis aries

The Somali sheep is native to Somalia and neighbouring regions of East Africa and belongs to the group of fat-tailed sheep. It stores fat reserves in its rump, which can be used as a source of energy when food is scarce.

Unlike many European sheep, it has very little wool and instead has a short coat of hair that helps it lose excess body heat. Well adapted to hot, dry conditions, Somali sheep can survive long periods of drought and thrive on sparse vegetation. They are mainly raised for meat and play an important role in traditional livestock farming.