americas fact sheet 17/9/96 4:43 pm page 1 examples of

Examples of threatenedanimal genetic resourcesN o r t h Am e r i c a

L a t i n Am e r i c a a n d t h eC a r i b b e a n

Guinea Hog pig, USAThis very small feral pig is a good forager and used in low-inputhome pork production and for snake control. The populationconsists of less than 1 000 animals.

Ossabaw Island pig, USAA single population of less than 2 000 animals of this feral pigbreed is found on Ossabaw Island, Georgia. The breed has aunique metabolic adaptation.

Bolivian Pony orSunicho, BoliviaThese horses can suvive in thehighlands of Bolivia. They werevery important for transport andwidely spread before theagricultural reform in the 1950s,but have now been replaced bythe donkey, which is usedextensively as a pack animal.

Blanco Orejinegrocattle, ColumbiaThe breed originates fromSpanish importations duringthe 16th century and is foundin the Andes at an altitude of800 – 1 800 m. These cattleare highly prolific, known fortheir longevity and show ageneral resistance to bloodparasites. Only 260 animals ofthis breed remain.

Navajo-Churro sheep, USAThis breed has been re-introduced to Indianreservations and 540 animals remain. These sheeppossess a special double coated fleece.

Crioulo Lageanocattle, BrazilCrioulo Lageano originated fromanimals brought by SpanishJesuits. This breed is known forits good mothering ability andeasy calving. Nevertheless only300 animals remain.

Initiative for Domestic Animal DiversityAnimal Production and Health DivisionUnited Nations Food and Agricultural OrganizationViale delle Terme di Caracalla00100 Rome ItalyTel: (39 6) 5225 3364Fax: (39 6) 5225 3927email: iDAD@fao.orgwww: http://www.fao.org/dad-is/

Initiative for Domestic Animal Diversity

For further information, contact:

Americas fact sheet 17/9/96 4:43 PM Page 1