An information system for the assessment of the threats to the heritage sheep breeds

The heritage sheep breeds are geographically concentrated, environmentally adapted, genetically distinct and commercially farmed breeds to economically support the local communities. In the frame of the HERITAGESHEEP project funded under the EU Regulation 870/04, a database has been developed to combine all (the) available information for the assessment of threats for the heritage sheep breeds. This information is grouped in three parts, where the first refers to the population numbers and trends, the second refers to the potential threats, which include social, political, disease and environmental pressures, and the third part focuses on the determination of the value of the breed to the region where it is raised, through its contribution to the environment, adaptation and grazing habits. The system aims to serve as a tool to promote the sustainable use of the heritage sheep breeds, integrating information on the characteristics of the breeds, their use, the threats they are exposed to and the values attached to the breeds and their products.