History
The Samothraki Sheep was already mentioned in 1954 by I.N.Dimitriadis as a representative of the indigenous mountain sheep originating from the Zackel breed. It is not officially recognized. Old sources suggest that it received influences from imported Thraki and Lesvos sheep. In 2013, at the invitation of the Samothraki municipality, a team from the ‘Amalthia Network’ identified around 2,000 sheep with the characteristics of the breed. The population survives mainly in the north-west of the island, an area of poor pastures. Samothraki Sheep are frugal and withstand the harsh terrain and climate well. Most of its breeders maintain mixed herds of sheep and goats. Herds usually need to be supplemented with additional feed. The breed is facing an imminent threat from intense competition caused by the excessive numbers of goat and sheep on the island. Goats in particular multiply uncontrollably, overgrazing and creating the phenomena of desertification which is all too obvious on the island. Another significant threat is the uncontrollable crossbreeding with other breeds such as Chios, Lesvos and Karagouniko sheep which have been imported in recent years.
Morphological Traits
Samothraki sheep are small-sized, thin-tailed and mostly even-woolled. The rams’ height at the withers is 65 cm and their weight is 45-50 kg. The ewes’ corresponding height and weight are 55 cm and 35-40 kg.
Most rams carry large, strong, spiral horns though only a few ewes may have short to medium length horns.
Wool covers the entire body except the head, limbs and sometimes part of the belly. The colour is almost uniform. Most animals have white bodies with black spots of varying sizes and distribution on the head, ears and limbs. In some animals the spotting is of a light chestnut colour.
Population
The estimated population amounts to 2,000 sheep, classifying the breed in the ‘Minority’ status.