Metka ŽAN, Barbara SOSIČ, Simon HORVAT

The endangered indigenous breed – the Drežnica goat as a symbol of local identity in Slovenia

Introduction

The endangered indigenous breed – the drežnica goat as a symbol of local identity in slovenia. Discover the endangered Drežnica goat, an indigenous Slovenian breed. It symbolizes local identity, sustains biodiversity, and preserves cultural heritage in the Julian Alps.

Abstract

Historically, goat farming was an important economic activity and a significant source of income, especially for the inhabitants of the western part of Slovenia in the Julian Alps (Posočje). In this region, dairy cattle were predominant at middle altitudes, while goats were only kept in the higher mountain areas, where the steep and rocky mountain pastures were only suitable for goats. Over the centuries, this environment gave rise to the indigenous Slovenian goat breed, the Drežnica goat. Even today, the Drežnica goat is closely associated with traditional agricultural practices such as seasonal dairy farming, while the chevon type of the Drežnica goat is characterised by an even more specific type of agricultural practise that is unique to Slovenia. In Slovenia, goat farming and grazing were often accompanied by legal restrictions in the past, which led to the depopulation of mountain villages and the transformation of the landscape. This study underscores the resilience of the Drežnica goat breed, highlighting its crucial role not only in sustaining biodiversity but also in maintaining the cultural and ecological heritage of the Posočje region.

Review

This paper introduces a fascinating and highly relevant topic: the endangered indigenous Drežnica goat, positioned as a vital symbol of local identity within Slovenia's Posočje region. The abstract effectively sets the historical context, illustrating the breed's critical role in the economic and cultural life of the Julian Alps, particularly in areas unsuitable for other livestock. This immediately establishes the study's interdisciplinary appeal, spanning agricultural history, conservation biology, and the sociology of rural communities. A key strength highlighted is the paper's intention to underscore the resilience of this unique breed. By linking the Drežnica goat not only to sustaining biodiversity but also to maintaining the cultural and ecological heritage of the Posočje region, the study promises a nuanced understanding of human-animal interaction in specific environments. The mention of its association with traditional practices, including seasonal dairy farming and a specific chevon type unique to Slovenia, suggests a rich exploration of local knowledge and agricultural systems, which adds significant value to the discourse on heritage breeds and sustainable development. While the abstract provides a compelling overview, the full paper would benefit from elaborating on the specific nature and long-term impacts of the past legal restrictions on goat farming, and a detailed description of the "unique chevon type of agricultural practice." Understanding the precise mechanisms through which the breed's resilience is demonstrated and its role in biodiversity and heritage is quantified would further strengthen the claims. Nevertheless, this work appears to be a timely and important contribution, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between local breeds, cultural identity, and conservation challenges within a distinctive European landscape.

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