Saving Rare Breeds in Thuringia: A Fight for Survival
Various ancient pet breeds are safeguarded in Thuringia - Numerous antiquated domestic animal breeds are safeguarded in Thuringia.
Welcome to Thuringia, where antiquated animal species reside! This eastern German state is home to a myriad of endangered livestock breeds, keeping them from extinction's edge.
Thuringia has a total of 21 breeds listed on its Red List of at-risk livestock, according to a recent response from the Department of Agriculture to an inquiry made by state parliamentarian Nadine Hoffmann of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Fortunately, the state sponsors farmers who invest in these vanishing breeds.
"A wobble can happen quickly with only a few breeders," explains Antje Feldmann, managing director of the Society for the Preservation of Old or Endangered Livestock. "If they abandon their efforts, things can go awry."
Thuringia's Collection of Endangered Breeds
The list of livestock breeds at risk in Thuringia includes some familiar names: Red Highland cattle, Yellow cattle, Coburg fox sheep, White Mountain sheep, and the Saxon-Thuringian Heavy Warmblood horse, just to mention a few.
The unusual Merino long wool sheep is said to be particularly endangered in Thuringia, with estimates pointing to a total of about 3,200 animals across the region. Feldmann warns, "Should even one farm stop operating, it could cause trouble."
Resurgence of the Rhön Sheep
Recovery efforts have been successful for certain breeds, such as the Rhön sheep, characterized by its dark head. This breed is primarily maintained in the Rhön region for landscape management and other purposes. According to experts, there are roughly 4,800 Rhön sheep nationwide, with the breeding base predominately located in the Rhön region.
The Thuringian Forest goat, now widespread across Germany, can also be found in Thuringia. Feldmann estimates the number of breeding animals around 1,800. A notable large breeder in Greußenis known for marketing products derived from the goats' milk locally.
Government Support Revamped
In 2023, the Thuringian government renovated its financial aid system for breeders of rare, endangered, and threatened livestock breeds. Now, assistance is offered through the Thuringian Animal Welfare Directive. The purpose of this support is to offset the costs and lost income these devoted ranchers face in comparison to more common breeds.
Annually, between 270,000 and 320,000 euros are allocated for this initiative, focusing mainly on conservation breeding programs. The Yellow cattle were included in these compassionate efforts starting in 2025.
According to Agriculture Minister Colette Boos-John (CDU), the aim is to preserve endangered native livestock breeds, which are essential for maintaining diverse genetic resources for future breeding programs.
Protecting the Past for the Future
Preserving these precious breeds is crucial for nurturing our cultural landscapes, like dry grasslands and orchards. For Feldmann, it's about more than simply safeguarding our past-it's about being prepared for future environmental changes.
"By maintaining these historic breeds," says Feldmann, "we hope to face any challenges our surroundings may pose." Moreover, these unique animals are a significant part of Thuringia's regional identity.
Thuringia stands as a beacon of hope for the preservation of endangered livestock breeds. Feldmann commends the state's efforts, warning only that it is crucial to closely monitor the populations of these breeds and maintain consistency in support to ensure the long-term security of the breeders. This is particularly important for shepherds who utilize their livestock in landscape management.
- The Community policy in Thuringia now offers financial aid through the Thuringian Animal Welfare Directive, specifically aimed at supporting farmers who breed endangered livestock, as a part of the state's general-news commitment to preserving rare breeds.
- In addition to the Red Highland cattle and Saxon-Thuringian Heavy Warmblood horse, endangered breeds in Thuringia include the Merino long wool sheep, Coburg fox sheep, and White Mountain sheep, emphasizing the state's role in the fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden sectors.
- The lifestyle of Thuringian farmers is integrated with the care of endangered livestock breeds, such as the Rhön sheep and Thuringian Forest goat, which are part of the food-and-drink industry, as evidenced by the large breeder in Greußen marketing products locally.
- As part of Thuringia's travel and environment initiatives, the preservation of rare breeds like the Yellow cattle is essential for sustaining diverse genetic resources, ensuring environmental resilience, and maintaining a strong regional identity.
