Enderby Island cattle facts for kids
Enderby Island Cattle are a special type of cow that lived wild and alone on Enderby Island, New Zealand for more than 80 years. Today, only about seven of these unique cattle are left. They live on the main islands of New Zealand.
These cattle were saved by a group called the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand (RBCSNZ). Sadly, many were removed from the island to protect other plants and animals there. Since then, people have worked hard to help these cattle have calves. They have even used special methods like in vitro fertilisation and cloning. There is an ongoing plan to keep this rare breed alive.
History of the Enderby Island Cattle
In the 1890s, nine cattle were brought to Enderby Island, which is the most northern island in the Auckland Islands group. People tried to start a farm there. The exact type of cattle they brought is not fully known, but they were called 'shorthorn'.
The farming attempt failed because the weather was too harsh. The island was left empty in 1910, and the cattle were left behind. For over 80 years, these cattle lived on their own. They survived well, even with the tough climate. They ate plants like Southern Rata, scrub, and even seaweed. Over time, they changed to fit their environment. Before this, some cattle had also been released on the islands to provide food for people who were shipwrecked.
Why Were the Cattle Removed?
In 1991, the Department of Conservation in New Zealand decided to remove animals that were not native to the Auckland Islands. This included the cattle and rabbits. The goal was to help the natural plants and animals grow back.
During an expedition that year, 47 of the estimated 53 cattle on the island were removed. Scientists also collected genetic material, like eggs and sperm, to store for the future.
In 1992, another group, the RBCSNZ, went to the island to rescue the Enderby Island Rabbit. They found tracks of two cattle that were still there: a mother cow and her calf. These two cattle were later caught and moved safely to New Zealand.
What Do Enderby Island Cattle Look Like?
The cattle first brought to Enderby Island were described as 'shorthorn'. However, their descendants today do not look much like modern shorthorn cattle. They look more like Shetland cattle.
Most Enderby Island Cattle are black and white. But, three of the 47 cattle removed in 1991 were red and white. This suggests that the original cattle might not have been a pure breed. They are small cows with long bodies and short legs. This gives them a very unique and special appearance.
