The Role of Traditional Communities n the Management of Diversity of Sheep Populations in Caras - Severin County

Abstract

Abstract Modernization of agriculture has led to the erosion of biodiversity of agroecosystems with implications for productivity in the sector. Degradation of genetic resources of plants, animals, insects and soil organisms causing economic losses threatening the food security of the population. This study is based on biodiversity in sheep populations in Caras - Severin and brings attention to traditional practices in the management of animal genetic resources. In the agroecosystem, maintaining the biodiversity is a guarantee for future challenges (growth and diversification of consumer demand, climate change, possible calamities) provided that at the consumer level there is an increased preference to traditional and organic products. From this point of view, it is remarkable the effort of private breeders in Caras - Severin to maintain the rustic varieties of sheep, but we think it requires a more resolute stand of the government and academic organisations for identification, preservation and support of such genetic resources valuable for all species. In Caras-Severin County, diversity of sheep populations is maintained in household or pastoral system in small and medium farms, the animal selection being based on the interest and preferences.