Chennai: Veterinarians and biologists in the state are the most excited lot with youngsters speaking about protecting the native bulls that participate in jallikattu, but some of them have a bigger appeal to the student community.
“Scientifically, it is the goat and sheep of TN that are more vulnerable to extinction when compared to bulls,” said professor D. Baskaran, dean, College of Food and Dairy Technology, Koduvalli. Pointing out that a few species in a ruminant family like Keezhakarisal goat, endemic to Ramnad and Sivagangai, are now facing extinction.
Kanni, a goat variety of Tirunelveli, also faces a similar fate due to over consumption. Further, artificial inseminations in goats are not very successful. Growing mutton consumption is also a big threat, he added.
“Students should also remember that our native dog breeds like Chippiparai, Kanni, Kombai and Rajapalyam and freshwater fishes are dwindling alarmingly,” Professor K. Ramasamy, vice chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University.
A. Kumaraguru, member, Sathyamangalam Tiger Conservation Foundation, opined that jallikattu protesters should also speak for other native fauna and flora species. This campaign should continue to protect our rivers and the forests, he added.
