The Enderby Island cattle are arguably the rarest cow breed in the world.
These cattle are descendants of Shorthorn cattle introduced to Enderby Island, a subantarctic island south of New Zealand, over a century ago. At one point, the herd numbered almost fifty. However, due to the harsh environment and isolation, their numbers dwindled significantly.
Near Extinction and Conservation Efforts:
The Enderby Island cattle faced near extinction. At one point, only one cow, named 'Lady', remained. Fortunately, conservation efforts were undertaken to save the breed. These efforts involved relocating the remaining cattle and implementing a breeding program.
Current Status:
While still rare, the Enderby Island cattle have been saved from complete extinction thanks to dedicated conservation work. Their current population numbers are carefully managed to maintain genetic diversity and ensure the breed's survival. The breed's unique genetic makeup makes them valuable for research and conservation purposes.
