so far unidentified gene on sheep chromosome 10

January 16, 2019 2:57 PM

The St Kilda Soay Sheep Project. The research project has been running since 1985. Counts "of the whole of Hirta’s Soay sheep population has been conducted most years since 1952". About the sheep.
posted by readinghippo (6 comments total)

I think I applied (unsuccessfully) for a postdoctoral position to work on the related deer project.
posted by wintermind at 3:01 PM on January 16, 2019

Somewhere there's a picture of me carrying a soay under each arm down the road because they didn't want to lead and they didn't want to herd so it was easier to just yeet them the whole way. The best part of the photo is a realtor in the background who wasn't prepared to see such antics and nearly put his car in the ditch.

Good sheep.
posted by stet at 6:52 PM on January 16, 2019 [5 favorites]

They are utterly amazing little sheep. It's hard to grasp how teeny-tiny they are until you see one up close - so beautifully evolved to suit their island(s), and with no human assistance.
posted by Mary Ellen Carter at 7:16 PM on January 16, 2019 [2 favorites]

Thank you for posting this! I have two precious skeins of Soay/Boreray blend wool that I have been planning for some years to knit into a lace shawl (...someday). Love to see photos of these cute little guys and learn more about them.
posted by Gordafarin at 2:15 AM on January 17, 2019 [1 favorite]

Stet I read "Yeet your sheep" to the tune of Rotate Your Owl and my morning is improved immeasurably.
posted by endotoxin at 10:27 AM on January 17, 2019

Found the picture.
posted by stet at 9:07 AM on January 18, 2019 [1 favorite]