English - Convention on Biological Diversity

76
COUNTRY STUDY FOR BIODIVERSITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
4.1.2. Wild relatives of crops
Most of the crops in Macedonia have wild relatives in close proximity to cultivated
varieties. Such wild relatives are sometimes seen in the cereal grains (Avena spp.,
Hordeum spp. and Triticum spp.), and in some industrial crops (Cannabis sativa and
Papaver spp.). In fruit production, wild relatives are used most often, both for food and
as rootstocks. Some of them have been domesticated or cultivated. The diversity of these
crops is large because small growers primarily use indigenous species. They continue to
persist because they are actively collected and used directly for food or are processed
into other products.
Fodder crops grown in Macedonia, mainly distributed within ploughed fields and
meadows (natural or sown), were created by selection and cultivation of wild species.
Some have been cultivated since long ago, and others began to be cultivated only
recently. Because fruit and fodder crops appear far more often as wild or indigenous
types, they are presented separately (Annex 6, Tables 4 and 5).
During the period 1968-1971, indigenous and wild relatives were collected in
Macedonia under an international project with the United States. The collected samples
are still stored in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) database,
where they are available for exchange and reintroduction whenever Macedonia will be
able to provide the proper conditions for their maintenance.
4.1.3. Native breeds of livestock
Domesticated animals contribute 30-40% of the world’s food production. Moreover,
they are able to transform large quantities of coarse plant material and by-products from
the agricultural and food processing industries into proteins and other highly valuable
substances intended for human consumption. Many of the breeds developed for specific
climatic regimes or breeding zones appear not to be able to survive in the wake of
modern management techniques.
As is the case in other countries, there are indigenous breeds and varieties of
domesticated animals in Macedonia which are fully accommodated to local breeding
conditions. During the past 50 years, however, new, more productive breeds have been
imported. Both the original imported breeds and crosses with local varieties are still
present today. Crosses between indigenous breeds/strains and imported breeds are
known in several species:
Busha is a local breed of cattle found in highland and mountain areas. During the last
30-40 years, it was crossed with many imported breeds. According to official statistical
data (Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Macedonia, 2000), Bushas comprise 50%
of the total number of cattle raised.
Pramenka (sheep) is represented by three strains: Karakachanska, Ovchepolska and
Sharplaninska. While the Karakachanska strain is considered to be endangered, as
classified by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2000), the other two strains
are widely used in sheep production.
Domestic (Balkan) goat. Although its numbers are on the increase, it is difficult to
make a clear distinction concerning this breed. The goats come in different colours
(white, grey and multicoloured), with outstanding long hair and sword-like horns.
Local primitive pig is raised on ranges in the regions of Makedonska Kamenitsa,
Strumitsa and Sveti Nikole (St. Nicholas). Although it is a very primitive breed, more
field and laboratory research is needed in order to clearly define its status.