The breed is principally associated with the Marathwada region of Maharashtra and adjoining northern Karnataka, particularly the wider belt around Latur and Bidar. ICAR’s National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources officially identifies Maharashtra and Karnataka as the home tract of Deoni cattle.
India is home to around 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephant population. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this global responsibility while marking World Elephant Day on August 12.
There is also an interesting historical dimension to the breed’s name. Tharparkar takes its name from Tharparkar district in Sindh, now in Pakistan, which formed part of undivided India, while its recognised breeding tract in present-day India includes Barmer, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur in Rajasthan and Kutch in Gujarat.
Announcing the achievement on World Lion Day 2026, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said the increase reflects sustained efforts by forest officials, conservationists, frontline workers and local communities involved in protecting the species and its habitat.
The breed developed across the plains of Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and adjoining Rajasthan, an area characterised historically by intensive cultivation, hot summers, seasonal scarcity of fodder and the need for animals capable of performing several functions within a farming household. ICAR’s National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources officially records Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan as the home tract of Hariana cattle.
The National Dairy Development Board classifies Kankrej as a dual-purpose breed used for both milk and draught work. Its native tract extends across parts of northern Gujarat and western Rajasthan, particularly the region surrounding the Rann of Kutch.
Unlike indigenous breeds selected primarily for dairy production, Nagori cattle were shaped by the practical requirements of farmers, traders and transporters living in an arid environment. Their long legs, powerful frame, strong feet and alert temperament enabled them to travel efficiently over hard, sandy and uneven ground.
The breed is officially recognised as an indigenous Indian cattle breed, with Maharashtra and Karnataka recorded as its native tract. Its registered accession number is INDIA_CATTLE_1108_KHILLAR_03014.
The Kangayam is one of Tamil Nadu’s most celebrated indigenous cattle breeds—a compact, muscular and
The history of the Amritmahal is closely connected with the rulers of Mysore. The term “Amrit Mahal” has commonly been interpreted as referring to an establishment or department created for maintaining cattle associated with the royal household. The original herds reportedly included recognised Mysore cattle types such as Hallikar, Hagalvadi and Chitaldroog or Chitradurga cattle.
