Llama Keeps Look-Out Over Flock

One man and his dog standing guard over flocks of sheep is a typical sight in the English countryside.

But all notions of tradition have been thrown away at a Hampshire country park where a new and exotic custodian has been employed to watch over its vulnerable sheep.

Cinema-goers will already be used to the idea of pigs protecting sheep in the film Babe,but few visitors to park will be ready for the sight of a llama standing tall over the flock.

The park managers are pinning their hopes on three-year-old male Clyde to frighten off any predators intent on having lamb for their dinner.

Dog attacks have been a common occurrence at the park,causing the managers to come up with the radical solution to the problem.

In the last incident just before Christmas a sheep had to have 40 stitches to its neck after a dog crept into the field.

The recovering ewe still has to have pain-killing patches to ease the discomfort.

Alan Talley,site supervisor,said this should be a thing of the past because Clyde has all the protective instincts required to keep harm at bay for his newly-adopted family of 13 ewes.

"Llamas are a herding animal which means if you put one in with sheep it regards itself as the protector.

"Llamas are normally very friendly and enjoy human company and contact but they can be quite aggressive. If the need arises they will stand their ground.

"He is already showing encouraging signs of protection even when the sheep are approached by estate staff.

"The sheep are not worried at all,it is a bit strange for them but they are gradually getting used to one another."

The use of llamas to look after sheep is becoming increasingly popular around the world.

As well as their father-like dedication,they are well-equipped fighters.

Their powerful legs can kick hard enough to deter the fiercest of dogs.

Mr Talley said "This is necessary because even the nicest of dogs can turn quite nasty when in a field of sheep."

Clyde and his mother Bonnie are two of three llamas at the park,which has been looking after the tall South American animals for five years.

After hearing of the use of llamas as guardians,the park thought it would make the most of its resources.

Mr Talley said "In the past people have done it with donkeys,especially around lambing time.

"Cows have also been used but a llama is just as effective,only a little bit different.

"We have already had a few comments from children and Clyde is becoming very popular."

Clyde's role is particularly important as the lambing season approaches because the animals are prone to being killed by dogs and mothers may abort their young if they become distressed.

Mr Talley said "At the end of the day we are a working farm and we can't afford the cost of losing sheep.

"Also the children come to see the lambs and it is upsetting for everyone when a sheep is killed."

Clyde is looking after the sheep in an area close to the farm,but if he does his job well and keeps them safe,they will gradually be moved to more open land.

Mr Talley chuckled "Hopefully if it goes well we will be open for llama hire in order for other farmers to protect their sheep."