Damara
Damara sheep are fat-tailed hair sheep from Namibia and southern Africa, named for the Damara or Damaraland region where the type became strongly associated. They have long legs, a shedding hair coat, a fat tail, and colors that may be black, brown, white, pied, or mixed. The breed belongs to dry-country meat and survival systems rather than to wool production, and its tail fat reflects adaptation to demanding environments.
Their appeal is strongest in hot, dry, extensive systems where wool sheep can struggle. Producers keep Damaras for meat, tail fat, fertility under pressure, and the reduced need for shearing, while still watching handling facilities, fencing, and nutrition because active hair sheep can behave differently from heavier wool breeds. In cooler regions, keepers also watch winter shelter and body condition because hair coats vary by line and young lambs can chill quickly. Breeding choices should favor functional ewes, sound feet, and lambs that thrive without intensive care.
