History
The Evdilos Ikaria breed was first mentioned in the 1960s. It was bred on the island of Ikaria and in particular the Evdilos region after which it was named. The breed was kept in small numbers in domestic conditions, grazing in close by pastures and additional feed was only rarely provided. In the early 2000s only one pure herd of the Evdilos breed remained; this was then disbanded following the owner’s death. Despite efforts by the ‘Amalthia Network’ to establish two nuclei, very few pure specimens remain in small domestic groups of 4-5 animals and isolated individuals scattered among larger (mixed) herds. The breed is in a critical condition as a result of the reckless importation of other breeds and the inhabitants’ indifference to preserving the few remaining animals.
Morphological Traits
The Evdilos Ikaria breed is a medium to large-sized, even-woolled and semi-fat-tailed sheep. Average height at the withers for rams is 74 cm and ewes 66 (62 – 74) cm. Average weight for rams and ewes is 60 kg and 47 (44 – 50) kg respectively.
Rams usually carry spiral horns or are polled. Ewes are most often polled but a few have underdeveloped horns. The head is relatively small and slender with a convex profile. The ears are of a relatively large size, held horizontally or with a slight pendulous tendency. The chest is of medium width and depth. The back is long and straight with a small hump at the withers. The limbs are of medium length and rather weak. The tail is cone shaped, quite long and relatively wide.
The breed is mixed with even-woolled but also coarse-woolled specimens. The head, belly and legs are wool free. The colour is usually solid white, often with small black markings around the eyes and the limbs.
Population
The total population is less than 50 animals, classifying the breed in the ‘Critical’ status.