The paper explores the significance of livestock genetic diversity in the dry rangelands of the Near East, Central Asia, and selected countries in East and South Asia, South and Central America and Africa. The selection of range-land versus non-rangeland countries is based on the production system maps developed by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The analysis includes cattle, sheep, goats, camelids, horses and asses. Data on breed distribution and risk status are obtained from the global database of the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS), which contains information on 37 species of domestic animals used in food and agriculture from 180 countries.
The contribution of the rangelands to the overall livestock production is used to provide an indicator of the economic importance of rangeland livestock breeds within each geographical region. The share of rangeland breeds in overall breed diversity within the respective regions or countries is assessed. The magnitude of the risks of erosion and breed extinction faced by livestock genetic resources in the rangelands is then contrasted with the overall risk status of breeds for each geographical area. Rangeland breeds are usually raised by specific ethnic groups and have developed over a long period of time. Examples of specifically adapted species and breeds are highlighted for better understanding of their contribution to human food security. An appropriate utilization and maintenance of this genetic diversity will help to ensure human food security in these harsh environments in the future.