Sloughi breed on verge of disappearance in Tunisia
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The Sloughi, often referred to as the Arab or Berber greyhound, is a breed of sighthound closely associated with North African nomadic tribes. This ancient sighthound breed holds a special place in Tunisia's cultural heritage, and its future hangs in the balance.
With fewer than 200 purebred Sloughis estimated to remain within Tunisia today, the Central Canine Tunisienne (CCT) has initiated a comprehensive conservation programme to preserve this cherished companion. The programme, which spans multiple phases, aims to achieve international recognition of the Sloughi as a distinct and protected breed.
The conservation effort is critical to rescue the Sloughi from near extinction while preserving its historical and cultural significance in Tunisia. The first phase involves a meticulous survey and identification of all remaining purebred Sloughis across the country.
The programme will implement controlled breeding practices over at least three generations to rebuild and strengthen the Sloughi's genetic pool. The CCT is working to establish a provisional breed standard to distinguish authentic Sloughis from mixed-breed dogs. Local breeders, especially in traditional Sloughi regions like Douz, have shown strong support for the initiative, advocating for breeding methods that prioritise genetic purity and discourage uncontrolled hybridisation.
The ultimate goal is to submit documentation to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) to secure official international recognition for the Sloughi as a distinct and protected breed. This recognition is not just about maintaining biodiversity but also about protecting a vital element of Tunisia's history and identity.
The Sloughi's lean, muscular body, remarkable speed, and keen hunting instincts were essential for its role as a hunting companion and protector of livestock among North African nomadic tribes. However, these factors have reduced the environment in which the Sloughi thrived and diminished the role and presence of the breed, placing it on the brink of extinction in its country of origin.
The Sloughi's sharp decline in population is due to uncontrolled crossbreeding with other sighthound breeds, erosion of traditional nomadic lifestyles, urbanisation, and modernisation. This decline has sparked concern over the breed's survival, and there is a growing call for enhanced government support through funding, legislation, and public awareness campaigns to aid conservation efforts.
The Sloughi's future depends on the cooperation of breeders, government authorities, and conservationists to reverse decades of decline. Preserving the Sloughi is not just about maintaining biodiversity but also about protecting a vital element of Tunisia's history and identity. The Sloughi, despite its critical status, continues to hold a significant cultural and historical importance in Tunisia.
- To aid in the preservation of the Sloughi, pet lovers and breeders in Tunisia might consider adopting educational resources on sighthound breed conservation as part of their lifestyle, promoting the understanding and appreciation of this precious companion.
- As the Sloughi's future hinges on its genetic purity, general news outlets could help foster public support for its conservation by featuring positive stories about the breed's unique history and cultural significance in Tunisia, as well as updates on the CCT's conservation programme progress.
