Virginia sheep (SciiFii)

The Virginia sheep (Ovis nigreos) is a species of wild sheep that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity. Virginia sheep largely resembles the Barbados Black Belly in general size, appearance, and build, but is a completely different species from domestic sheep and is a purely wild animal. sheep range in colour from light tan to a dark mahogany red, with black stripes on the face and black legs, belly, inguinal region, chin, and chest. Despite being goat-like in appearance, they are true sheep. The horns of mature rams are curved in almost one full revolution (up to 85 cm). The vegetation preferred by the species varies based on elevation and area. In higher elevations, they predominantly eat grasses, sedges, forbs, and shrubs. Virginia sheep rams have a strict dominance hierarchy. Before mating season or "rut", which is from late autumn to early winter, rams try to create a dominance hierarchy to determine access to ewes (female Virginia sheep) for mating. Virginia sheep rams fight one another to obtain dominance and win an opportunity to mate with females. Virginia sheep reach sexual maturity at the age of 2 to 4 years. Young rams need to obtain dominance before they get a chance to mate, which takes another 3 years for them to start mating. Virginia sheep ewes also go through a similar hierarchy process in terms of social status in the first 2 years, but can breed even at low status. Pregnancy in females lasts 5 months, in which they produce one to two offspring. The conservation status of the Virginia sheep is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the Virginia sheep's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii