History
Lefkimi Sheep is an old breed originating in Lefkimi in the south of the island of Corfu. It is first mentioned by Xatziolos in 1941. It evolved in domestic conditions in groups of 1-5 kept by each family for its animal products. Grazing in orchards and gardens provided rich nutrition and was instrumental in shaping this highly productive sheep. In the 1960s its population was around 4,000 animals. In 1965 the Greek state initiated an upgrading programme for local herds which recommended the introduction of breeds such as Chios and Karagouniko. As a result by 1975 only 400 pure Lefkimi sheep remained and soon the breed was considered extinct. In 2010 a private breeder initiated an island-wide search for the last animals with the Lefkimi phenotype. As a result a small nucleus of the breed was formed and selectively bred on the advice of the ‘Amalthia Network’.
Morphological Traits
Lefkimi is a large-sized, coarse-woolled, fat-tailed sheep of the Zackel type. According to an old source the average height at the withers for rams was 80 cm and ewes’ 58-70 cm.
Rams carry spiral horns. Ewes have rudimentary horns or are polled. The head is long and slender with a slightly convex profile. The ears are thin and held horizontally. The body is long with a cylindrical shape while the limbs are long and slender. The tail is slender and reaches just above the hock.
The body is covered by wool. The head, limbs, belly and tail are wool free. The colour is white with small black spots around the eyes, nose and ears.
Population
Two herds exist in south and north Corfu with a total population of fewer than 50 animals, classifying the breed in the ‘Critical’ status.