Kalofer goats

Kalofer goats

The local long-haired and particularly the Kalofer type does not have any similar among the European goat breeds. It is present only in Bulgaria and significantly consolidated in its type. Nowadays these goats are mainly saved around the town of Kalofer (Central Stara Planina Mts.). From very old times the furs of these goats have been used for making masks and costumes for a Bulgarian traditional customs.


Saving a native local breed is a cause, which is very difficult but it is worth. Selecting ancient breeds of domestic animals is a process which can not be repeated and their extinction is irreparable. Being a link between the wild predecessors and the modern breeds, the old domesticated forms possess a big vitality and valuable qualities. The success of the such an initiative is not only a success for the livestock breeding sciences, because invaluable genetic material will be saved, but also a part of historical and cultural heritage of Bulgaria will be conserved for the future generations. Bulgaria needs to save its natural and historical heritage which the socialist regime almost destroyed. The conservation of semi-natural habitats as the high mountain pastures is an integral part of the traditional livestock breeding and the local breeds conservation. The local goat breeds are effective regulators against closing of mountain pastures and have indirect positive influence on IUCN Red list species like Ground squirrel (Suslik) Citelus citelus, and Imperial eagle Aquila heliaca.

http://www.save-foundation.net/semperviva/actual.htm