zeit.de
Endangered Livestock Breeds in Thuringia Receive State Funding
Twenty-one rare or endangered livestock breeds in Thuringia, Germany, are on the red list, with breeders receiving state financial aid (between €270,000 and €320,000 annually) through the Thuringian Animal Welfare Directive to preserve them, although precise population numbers are unavailable.
- What is the immediate impact of the decreasing number of breeders on rare livestock breeds in Thuringia?
- Twenty-one rare or endangered livestock breeds in Thuringia, Germany, are on the red list, including cattle, sheep, and horse breeds. Breeders receive financial aid from the state to preserve these animals; however, data on the exact number of animals per breed is unavailable.
- How does the financial aid from the Thuringian government support the preservation of these endangered breeds?
- The dwindling number of breeders for these rare breeds poses a significant risk to their survival. The Thuringian Ministry of Agriculture provides funding (between €270,000 and €320,000 annually) through the Thuringian Animal Welfare Directive to support breeders of endangered livestock breeds, primarily for conservation breeding programs. This funding aims to offset the costs and lost income compared to widely spread breeds.
- What are the long-term implications of losing these rare livestock breeds, and what additional measures are needed to ensure their survival?
- Continued funding and monitoring of these rare breeds are crucial for their long-term survival and maintaining biodiversity. The reliance on a small number of breeders highlights vulnerability; a sudden decline in breeders could severely impact these populations, threatening the genetic diversity and cultural heritage these breeds represent. The role these animals play in maintaining specific landscapes further underscores the need for sustained conservation efforts.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral. While the article highlights the endangered status of the breeds and the need for preservation, it also presents the government's efforts and the positive assessment of these efforts by a representative of a relevant organization. The headline is descriptive rather than opinionated.
Bias by Omission
The article omits specific numbers on the population size of each endangered breed, stating that data is unavailable. While this is acknowledged, the lack of precise figures hinders a complete understanding of the severity of the situation for each breed. The omission doesn't necessarily indicate bias, but it limits the reader's ability to fully grasp the scale of the problem.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights efforts to preserve rare and endangered livestock breeds in Thuringia, Germany. Maintaining these breeds is crucial for biodiversity and the preservation of traditional farming practices. These breeds often play a vital role in maintaining specific habitats and landscapes, contributing directly to the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems. The financial support provided by the government to breeders helps ensure the continued existence of these breeds and their associated ecological roles.