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Source-This post on Criollo: Cattle breed capable of withstanding climate change is based on the article “Criollo: This breed of cattle developed in the New World can withstand climate change, say Irish scientists” published in “Down To Earth” on 4th April 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, Irish researchers found that Criollo cattle have adapted well to climate change by thriving in hot and humid conditions, a trait they have developed over many years.
About Criollo cattle
| Aspect | Details |
| Origin | 1. Originating in the Americas, Criollo cattle descended from cattle introduced by Spanish explorers during colonization. 2. The First cattle in the Americas, from La Gomera in the Spanish Canary Islands, were transported to Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic) during Christopher Columbus’s second voyage in 1493. |
| Physical attributes | 1. Compact-bodied cattle of small to medium size. 2. Sporting short, glossy coats, typically found in shades like black, brown, or red. |
| Adaptability | Capable of thriving in various climates, including tropical and subtropical regions, as well as hot and humid areas, and arid, rugged terrains. |
| Disease Resistance | Developed natural immunity to common diseases like ticks and parasites in their native habitats. |
| Significance | Criollo cattle serve as a sustainable food source, providing meat and dairy for local communities, while also contributing to sustainable agriculture and conservation efforts in the Americas. |
UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)
