There are two species of Wild Feral Ram (Ovis aries) in New Zealand. These are the Merino and the Arapawa. Both rams feature curling horns often with 1 ½-2 ½ curls on each side, forming elegant horns that make for excellent trophies.

While the origins of the Merino Ram are known - it is generally agreed they were bred from hardy North African sheep in Spain and from there introduced to New Zealand and many other countries.
The origins of the Arapawa Ram are however a mystery. The sheep were introduced to New Zealand by early sailors as a food source, but no record of where they originally came from has yet been uncovered.

The feral Merino Ram has descended from the fine wool Merino that has gone bush and now, generations later there are large numbers in the wild in some areas. The feral Merino comes in a variety of colours, ranging from pure white to brown and black. The impressive horns are a light cream in colour.

The Arapawa Rams are dark brown and black in colour with grey horns.

Safari Club International recognises the Arapawa as a South Pacific species, and they truly make a great addition to any hunters’ trophy collection. Rams can be hunted in the same areas where Red and Fallow Stags are found. In fact, they often live in the same areas and can be hunted year round.