Community Conservation of Animal Breeds in Tamil Nadu. P. Vivekanandan SEVA, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

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1 Community Conservation of Animal Breeds in Tamil Nadu P. Vivekanandan SEVA, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Indian Pastoralists Raikas in Rajasthan Camels Rabaris in Gujarat Gir, Kankrej cattle Van Gujars in Himalayas Buffalo Gaddis in Shiwalik Hills Sheep /

2 Indian Pastoralists Raikas in Rajasthan Camels Rabaris in Gujarat Gir, Kankrej cattle Van Gujars in Himalayas Buffalo Gaddis in Shiwalik Hills Sheep / goat Ladak Pastoralists - Yak Dhangar Gowli in Karnataka cattle Konar & Others in Tamil Nadu Malaimadu / Pulikulam Cattle Todas of Nilgiris Toda Buffalo

Maintaining Animals Dharma (A Sacred Duty Prescribed) for Certain Communities Raikas Caste was Created by Lord Shiva to look after Camels Yadhavas, Gujjars Descendants of Lord Krishna to care Cattle

3 Maintaining Animals Dharma (A Sacred Duty Prescribed) for Certain Communities Raikas Caste was Created by Lord Shiva to look after Camels Yadhavas, Gujjars Descendants of Lord Krishna to care Cattle Todas Day-to-day Rituals are Associated with Buffaloes in the life of Toda tribes in Nilgris Lingayats Will give one-day rest in a week for animals and animals not milked or engaged in any work on that day

How Pastoralists Benefit Society Local Livestock Breeds are Known for : Disease Resistance Survive better in Local Environment Supply Organic

4 How Pastoralists Benefit Society Local Livestock Breeds are Known for : Disease Resistance Survive better in Local Environment Supply Organic Manure thro Penning Supply Draught Animals Play Role in Village Festivals / Rituals e.g. Jallikattu (bull riding) Suitable for Low Input Management System

5 Breed Statistics 7600 livestock breeds in the world (FAO-2007) One third are endangered. One breed is being lost in every month 144 registered breeds in India (NBAGR-2013) They include 37 cattle, 13 buffalo, 23 goat, 39 sheep, 6 horses & ponies, 8 camel, 2 pig, 1 donkey,15 chicken, besides yak, mithun, duck, quail etc. These defined breeds constitute only about 20 to 25% of our farm animal population whereas the remaining farm animal population is yet to be described

6 Umbalacherry Cattle Breed Umbalachery Cattle Breed spread over in Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur & Thanjavur Districts of Tamil Nadu State. Estimated population in herds 20,000 It has four distinct biotypes viz. Attukarimadu Ganapathyanmadu Vennamadu Suriyankattumadu

7 Characteristics and Uses Drought resistant, disease resistant and hardy animals Bullocks mainly used for Wet land Ploughing and Transport of materials using Bullock cart Suitable for marshy rice field of Cauvery River delta region Requires least maintenance and it thrives well with paddy straw The udder is not well develop in Cows It yields up to 3 liters of milk per time with lactation period of 6 to 10 months

8 Factors Affecting Cattle Population Problems in access to drinking water & grazing lands (Cattle ponds existed for the purpose of drinking water are uncared and encroached) Grazing land earmarked under Revenue promboke has been encroached( about 40 ha.land encroached in Umbalacherry Village). Tractorisation and maintenance cost of bullocks and high wages pose threat to existence of Umbalacherry Cattle Breed. Cattle are being sent to slaughter house in an alarming rate (sold for cheap meat).

Steps for Conservation of Breed SEVA Promoted Umbalacherry Cattle Breeders Association in Nagapattinam District during 2001 234 members from 21 Villages in Nagapattinam District Desilted 9

9 Steps for Conservation of Breed SEVA Promoted Umbalacherry Cattle Breeders Association in Nagapattinam District during members from 21 Villages in Nagapattinam District Desilted 9 ponds for the purpose of providing drinking water for cattle with the assistance of CAPART. Retrieval of 107 acres of Pasture Land Encroached in Umbalacherry village (not yet officially demarked)

10 Introduced Participatory Calf Rearing Scheme with the help of Tamil Nadu Livestock Development Agency Female calves and bulls are supplied to members of Breeders Association and breeders through Micro-credit programme.

11 Toda Buffalo Breed This breed is found in Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu State. Maintained in Semi wild condition by Toda tribes Milk is high in fat content (8.27%) The estimated Toda Buffalo population is 1,750

Buffalo Population 1930 597 1619 1960 612

12 A Case of Toda Buffaloes in Mukurthi National Park Year Toda Population Buffalo Population Source : SEVA 2002

Role of Buffaloes in Toda Culture For Prayer Buffalo presence is important; the milk is sprinkled in divine power entry place; butter oil (Ghee) is used for lighting the Lamp.

13 Role of Buffaloes in Toda Culture For Prayer Buffalo presence is important; the milk is sprinkled in divine power entry place; butter oil (Ghee) is used for lighting the Lamp. Buffalo is given as gift, it is wealth, health of the community, even after death of Toda individual they believe their connection with buffalo.. The Grass land is Sacred for the Community. And Grass is Holy Plant for the Toda people because it is main food for the Buffalo

14 Factors Affecting the Buffalo Population Shrinking of pasture land / Savannah grazing land (the original pasture land has been reduced due to afforestation programme by Forest Department by planting Eucalyptus and Wattle trees) Decrease in full time pastoralism among Toda tribals The Toda buffaloes are being preyed upon by wild animals viz. panthers, tigers and red dogs

15 Status of Vegetation in Status of Vegetation in Nilgiris Nilgiris Total Area Onchterlony s map Current map ( 1849 ) ( 1992 ) Sholas 8,600 ha 4,225 ha Grasslands 29,875 ha 4,700 ha Cultivation 10,875 ha 12,400 ha Tea 0 ha 11,475 ha Wattle 0 ha 9,775 ha Eucalyptus 0 ha 5,150 ha Source : CPR Publication (2002)

16 Role of SEVA in Conservation of Toda Buffalo Panchapandavar Buffalo keepers Association promoted during 2002 (Registered). De-worming training organized for members Micro credit for building calf shed Awareness raising on conservation of Toda Buffalo by publishing booklet in Tamil Forest Department in principle agreed for removal of Eucalyptus, Pine, Wattle and restoring original pasture land based on our lobbying.

17 Malaimadu (Hill Cattle) Breed This breed is found in 20 villages of adjoining Westernghats spread over Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar Districts, Tamil Nadu State. The present population of Malaimadu breed has been reduced to mere 30,000.

18 Rotational Grazing System Adopted for Malaimadu / Hill Cattle April June Oct - December July Sept Jan - March Hill Grazing (in western ghats) Plain land Grazing (including farmers field)

Characteristics & Uses They are short and sturdy and they are resistant to many diseases. This breed provides good draught bullocks for farmers.

19 Characteristics & Uses They are short and sturdy and they are resistant to many diseases. This breed provides good draught bullocks for farmers. The bullocks are useful for ploughing in the wet lands. A collective of animals called Herd used for penning during night times for providing manure to the field.

20 Factors Affecting the Population Grazing permit stopped from 1997 onwards (due to Join Forest Management funded with Japanese ODA). Declaration of Giant Squirrel Sanctuary prohibits Cattle to enter traditional grazing sites. Heavy penalties / Fines imposed and taking the herders to custody by forest officials intimidated herders to abandon their pastoralists life.

21 Role of SEVA for Conservation of Breed Promoted district level Malaimadu Cattle Herders Association as well as village level groups. Negotiation with Forest Department for restoring traditional grazing rights through petition to CEC of Supreme Court of India. State Government issued the special permission for grazing in sanctuary area but this is not acceptable to forest authorities

22 Pulikulam Cattle Breed Maintained in 148 herds by migratory herders in Sivagangai and Madurai Districts of Tamil Nadu. Population - 25,000 in Draught Breed

23 Usefulness of Pulikulam Cattle Breed Income through penning the Cattle for providing manure to the agricultural lands. ( Herd Size : heads of cattle used for penning during night time in agricultural lands. Penning charge Rs.1 / cattle / day.) It reduces 50 % of inorganic fertilizer cost for farmers. The calves sold for the purpose of draught / ploughing bullocks and for Jallikattu / bull riding.

24 Factors Affecting the Population Grazing permit not provided by Forest Department in the traditional grazing land due to declaration of Sanctuary / Joint Forest Management area. Animal drinking water ponds in the breeding tract are not desilted for many years No herder representation in Village Forest Committee.

25 Steps Taken by SEVA Village level herders groups / association have been promoted in Manamadurai (Sivagangai district), Manappatti, U. Vadipatti (Madurai district) villages. Characterisation of the Breed has been completed in collaboration with Madras Veterinary College. Legal Rights for grazing in forest area are being studied

26 Kachakatty Black Sheep Breed This Breed is found in Katchakatty, Kutladampatti village, Vadipatti Block, Madurai District. Number of Herds Herd size Population (2003) Population (2001) Population (1970s) Sheep ,000

27 Features of the Kachakatti Black Sheep The sheep are black in colour. It has vestigious ears (not well developed). The male bucks are known for sheep fighting. The sheep are taken to Vaguthumalai / Sirumalai Hills for grazing Reduction in sheep population due to preventing the herders entering traditional grazing areas in Sirumalai hills.

28 Income for Herders Through penning for providing manure in farmers field (100 sheep / acre / day Rs.50) Sale of Male lambs for Sheep fighting (Rs.1000 for 3 Months old lamb ) Sale of female lambs for farmers (Rs.400 for 3 Months old lamb)

29 Steps taken by SEVA for Conservation of Breed Regular De-worming Negotiation with Forest Department for restoring traditional grazing rights Sheep shed loan provided through Herders Association promoted by SEVA

30 Vembur Sheep Breed This breed found in 22 villages around Vembur in V. Pudur Block, Ettayapuram Taluka, Thoothukudi District. The total Population is 5,000 It is quick growing hardy sheep in dry land zone (black cotton soil).

Sheep is identified by black or brick red patches on its coat. Ears are medium sized and drooping with short and thin tail. Males having prominent twisted horn and females are polled.

31 Sheep is identified by black or brick red patches on its coat. Ears are medium sized and drooping with short and thin tail. Males having prominent twisted horn and females are polled. It has short hairs all over the body. Adult males weigh up to 50 Kgs. Adult females weigh up to 45 Kgs. They survive even on dry grass, shrubs found in the semi arid zone of Thoothukudi District. Characteristics

32 Steps taken by SEVA Promoted Herders Association in Vembur, Metalpatti, Melakarandai, Iankarisalkulam and Mavilipatti villages. Drinking water facilities with peoples participation with the help of CAPART and Ministry of Environment & Forests : Installation of 6 Hand pumps Renovation of supply channel of tanks / ponds Construction of Sheep Shed for 47 members through Micro-credit Programme in 5 villages Regular Animal Health Camps

Conservation of Bargur Cattle Breed Location : Anthiyur Block, Erode District Communities involved : Lingayat and Goundar Population : 25,000 A TANUVAS report states that population is less than

33 Conservation of Bargur Cattle Breed Location : Anthiyur Block, Erode District Communities involved : Lingayat and Goundar Population : 25,000 A TANUVAS report states that population is less than 3000 Lingayat Biocultural Protocol has been prepared with the communities and traditional knowledge has been documented. Award has been given to a pastoralist for conserving Bargur cattle breed.

34 Keelakarisal Sheep This breed is found in Ramnad,Madurai,Virdhun agar and Ottapedaram This breed withstand heat, survive on low quality fodder, spent more time for grazing and walking and disease resistance. The population is only 357 animals

35 Conservation Strategy A. Use Pure Males for breeding with females once in two years B. Elimination of non-keelakarisal Breeds from the herd. C. Good veterinary practices to reduce incidence of disease D. Encouraging herders to use keelakarisal pure in breeds only for crossing. Source: Dr.M.S.Sundaraman, TANUVAS (2008)

Hill Buffalo (Malai Erumai) Location : Anthiyur Block, Erode District Communities involved : Lingayat and Gowndar Population : 2,000 This breed has not been documented or

36 Hill Buffalo (Malai Erumai) Location : Anthiyur Block, Erode District Communities involved : Lingayat and Gowndar Population : 2,000 This breed has not been documented or recognized Milk yield : up to 2 lit / day Able to climb: in slope hills and graze Fat content higher Short statured and compact animal suitable for hill grazing in Bargur forests

Conservation of Breeds Needs Conservation of Production System Korangadu is a traditional pastureland farming system in the drylands of Tamil Nadu, South India It is a combination of grass, legumes

37 Conservation of Breeds Needs Conservation of Production System Korangadu is a traditional pastureland farming system in the drylands of Tamil Nadu, South India It is a combination of grass, legumes and tree species It exists in 500 villages over 50,000 ha. in a contiguous area of 50,000 sq.km. The grassland conserves Kangayam cattle, Mayilambadi and Mecheri sheep Grass Cenchrus sp. Legume Phaseolus trilobus Tree Acacia leucophloea Live Fence Commiphora berryii

Steps Taken by SEVA Promoted pastureland farmers / livestock keepers groups / association in 2 villages Documented traditional grassland farming system by surveying 36 villages in

38 Steps Taken by SEVA Promoted pastureland farmers / livestock keepers groups / association in 2 villages Documented traditional grassland farming system by surveying 36 villages in Erode and Karur districts Organised 2 days workshops during May 2004 and Dec Discussion with State Govt. authorities for including the time tested model in mainstream development

Recommendations to Conserve Korangadu Pasture Land Support to farmers for sowing seeds of Kolukattai grass, planting fodder trees, strengthening live fence and for purchase of sheep Existing

39 Recommendations to Conserve Korangadu Pasture Land Support to farmers for sowing seeds of Kolukattai grass, planting fodder trees, strengthening live fence and for purchase of sheep Existing Watershed Development Programme should include Korangadu pasture land development Community bull programme introduced with indigenous dairy breeds such as Tharparkar, Sahiwal Community drinking water facilities through borewells can be introduced

Problems Faced by Pastoralists Grazing Permit is Denied in Traditional Grazing Sites due to Joint Forest Management Program / Sanctuaries / National Parks Original Pasture Lands Converted into

40 Problems Faced by Pastoralists Grazing Permit is Denied in Traditional Grazing Sites due to Joint Forest Management Program / Sanctuaries / National Parks Original Pasture Lands Converted into Plantations (Eucalyptus, Jatropha) Exclusion of Pastoralists in Govt. Policies such as Forestry, Breeding Policy Lantana weed in Bargur Forests Encroachment of Common Property Resources with Lantana, Prosopis etc. Availability of labour is becoming rare. Younger generation is not interested due to lack of value based education.

41 Regional Workshop on Traditional Livestock Keepers, Indigenous Knowledge & Biodiversity Conservation on 22 February 2008, Madurai in association with National Biodiversity Authority Recommendations include: Grazing policy, Participatory JFM and Rotational grazing, discouraging bio-diesel plantation, supply of breeding bulls to pastoralists, involving pastoralists in conserving wild-animal biodiversity, identity cards to pastoralists, awareness on Forest Right Act 2006, eradication of invasive species (Lantana, Prosopis) and conservation of traditional pasture land.

42 Statement of LIFE Network meeting at NBAGR, Karnal on 2/9/2008 Breed conservation can be better achieved by: Documenting indigenous knowledge, social institutions and associated production system/ecosystems and incorporating in the main stream development. Recognition of grazing systems and promotion of rotational grazing wherever the traditional grazing land is used for forest development. Implementing the rules and regulations under existing Acts formulated by Govt. dept./recommendations of various commissions or authorities and consolidating them towards holistic conservation policy Recognizing / awarding individual livestock keepers / communities conserving the breed through a dedicated fund created at national level.

43 Breed Saviour Awards From 2009 onwards awards have been conferred annually to 104 outstanding livestock keepers,pastoralists keeping native breeds. In collaboration with National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources and National Biodiversity Authority

Challenges in Community Level Conservation of Animal Breeds Educated youth are not opting for maintaining herds Lack of orientation on community conservation concept for Forest Department officials

44 Challenges in Community Level Conservation of Animal Breeds Educated youth are not opting for maintaining herds Lack of orientation on community conservation concept for Forest Department officials Non participatory breeding policy Limited resources for NGOs Providing grazing rights as per The Scheduled Tribes and other Forest Dwellers (Recognition Forest Rights) Act 2006 & National Policy for Farmers 2007.

45 Thank You!

Access and Benefit-Sharing of Animal Genetic Resources: About the need to think out of the box

Access and Benefit-Sharing of Animal Genetic Resources: About the need to think out of the box Ilse Köhler-Rollefson League for Pastoral Peoples and Endogenous Livestock Development (LPP) Two types of