Changes to the 2007 Conservation Priority List

September 2007

ALBC is pleased to announce that the annual review of the Conservation Priority List has led to several positive changes for the 2007 version. Belted Galloway cattle moved from Watch to Recovering based on a living population of registered animals in the US of over 10,000, according to the Belted Galloway Society. Heritage turkeys continue their upward trends. Based on the 2006 census of heritage turkeys both Black and Royal Palm turkeys have moved from Threatened to Watch. White Holland has moved from Critical to Threatened, and Slate has made a significant move from Critical to Watch. Two non-standard turkey varieties, Chocolate and Lavender/Lilac have been added to the CPL based on their breeding population numbers. Lavender and Lilac have been linked because the color genetics are closely related. Additionally, these names have been used interchangeably.

Other changes to the CPL are based on ALBC’s ongoing research. Determinations for two Study category breeds have been made, and a name change has been deemed appropriate for a Critical category breed. Small populations of the Choctaw pig have been identified, though these remain very difficult to access. Choctaw pigs meet ALBC’s criteria for feral/landrace populations, being both uniform and isolated enough to warrant inclusion, so have been moved from Study to Critical. The American Sable rabbit has been removed from the list, where it had been in the Study category. The breed has had genetic infusions of many other breeds during the past few decades and based on its history it was determined to be a color phase of the American Chinchilla. The CPL will begin listing the California Variegated Mutant/Romeldale as the Romeldale/California Variegated Mutant (CVM). The CVM is only one color variety of the Romeldale breed, so Romeldale is the more inclusive name. Recent discussions between the associations seem to be allying the groups more closely.

Many of the American breeds received the distinction of being listed on the Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste, noted by a symbol of a knife and fork. These breeds have all been through an evaluation process, which includes a formal tasting. The Ark listing draws attention to the culinary aspects of these uniquely American breeds and the food traditions they foster. It also encourages markets for food products from these breeds. Ark listings have been very helpful in supporting conservation, as demonstrated by the success of the heritage turkeys. Breeds which have recently gained Ark of Taste recognition are: Rhode Island Red chickens; Hereford, Red Wattle, and Guinea Hogs; and, Gulf Coast and Tunis sheep.

Through the hard work of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and the many breed stewards, 2007 brings good news for rare breeds. ALBC could not have asked for a better 30th birthday present!