Campbell Island Cattle
Encyclopedia
Campbell Island Cattle were a feral
breed of domestic cattle
(Bos taurus) found on Campbell Island, New Zealand
. From photographs taken in 1976 it appeared that the cattle were at least partly of shorthorn
origin. This breed is now extinct.
and other livestock, as part of an ill-fated attempt to establish farming there. It was reported that, by 1910, there were ten cows and six bulls present, which were allowed to run wild. In 1931 the farming attempt had failed and the cattle were abandoned. A small herd of about 20 animals persisted until the 1970s, after which a program of eradicating introduced livestock was implemented, with the cattle being exterminated by about 1984.
Feral
A feral organism is one that has changed from being domesticated to being wild or untamed. In the case of plants it is a movement from cultivated to uncultivated or controlled to volunteer. The introduction of feral animals or plants to their non-native regions, like any introduced species, may...
breed of domestic cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
(Bos taurus) found on Campbell Island, New Zealand
Campbell Island, New Zealand
Campbell Island is a remote, subantarctic island of New Zealand and the main island of the Campbell Island group. It covers of the group's , and is surrounded by numerous stacks, rocks and islets like Dent Island, Folly Island , Isle de Jeanette Marie, and Jacquemart Island, the latter being the...
. From photographs taken in 1976 it appeared that the cattle were at least partly of shorthorn
Shorthorn
The Shorthorn breed of cattle originated in the North East of England in the late 18th century. The breed was developed as dual purpose, suitable for both dairy and beef production; however there were always certain blood lines within the breed which emphasised one quality or the other...
origin. This breed is now extinct.
History
Cattle were introduced to Campbell Island in 1902, along with sheepCampbell Island Sheep
Campbell Island sheep are a feral breed of domestic sheep formerly found on Campbell Island, New Zealand.-The sheep farmers:The sheep were originally introduced to Campbell Island in the late 1890s, following the inclusion of the island in New Zealand’s pastoral lease system in 1896...
and other livestock, as part of an ill-fated attempt to establish farming there. It was reported that, by 1910, there were ten cows and six bulls present, which were allowed to run wild. In 1931 the farming attempt had failed and the cattle were abandoned. A small herd of about 20 animals persisted until the 1970s, after which a program of eradicating introduced livestock was implemented, with the cattle being exterminated by about 1984.