PRACTICAL PROPOSAL FOR THE IN SITU CONSERVATION OF THE ENDANGERED ALTAMURANA SHEEP BREED

In the Apulia region, the Altamurana sheep breed is seriously facing the extinction risk due not so much to the small population size (about 500 animals) as to the lack, since more than fifteen years, of data on the population structure and on the productive and reproductive status of residual animals. Starting from the analysis of the extant situation, this work aims to highlight the actions needed, as a first step, to evaluate the genetic potential of the current Altamurana nucleus and, subsequently, to implement an effective genetic management plan. Recently, the 214/7 Measure (“biodiversity safeguard”) of the Apulian Rural Development Plan for the period 2007-2013, providing financial support to Apulian breeders devoted to the rearing of local sheep breeds, has been implemented. Being inspired by this positive scenario, here we propose a five-year breed management hypothesis that would convert the breed status (following the FAO classification) from endangered (<1.000 heads) to critical (1.000<N<5.000). The plan, that should involve public and private bodies, would allow to obtain the relevant data needed to evaluate the real economic sustainability of the breed reintroduction, with particular attention to farms included in the Alta Murgia National Park.