Preserving Tunisia’s Legendary Sloughi
Urgent Conservation Background
The Central Canine Tunisienne (CCT) reports that fewer than 200 purebred Sloughis remain in Tunisia, triggering a national initiative to safeguard the breed’s survival.
Historical Significance
The Sloughi, also known as the Arab or Berber greyhound, has been a central figure in North African nomadic culture for centuries. Its lean, muscular physique, exceptional speed, and sharp hunting instincts made it indispensable for:
- Hunting game
- Protecting livestock
- Companionship for tribal members
Causes of the Population Decline
Recent decades have seen a sharp reduction in purebred Sloughi numbers due to several interlinked factors:
- Uncontrolled crossbreeding with other sighthound breeds diluting genetic purity
- Rift in traditional nomadic lifestyles eroding the natural habitat of the Sloughi
- Urbanization and modernization shifting societal structures and diminishing the breed’s role
The Endangered Status
These combined effects have placed the Sloughi on the brink of extinction in its native country, compelling a focused and structured conservation programme.
Most Read on Euro Weekly News
Flying Ryanair in Spain? Brace for 76 strike days – here’s what you need to know
Ground crew strike mess hits Spanish airports
Will this 300-metre steel bull become Spain’s ‘Eiffel Tower’? The Madrid village making its play
Revitalising Tunisia’s Legendary Sloughi
Sloughi Conservation Programme launched by the Central Canine Tunisienne (CCT) marks the first step toward preserving the nation’s prized native breed. The initiative unfolds in three distinct phases:
- Phase One: A nationwide survey meticulously catalogs existing purebred Sloughis, ensuring a reliable reference database.
- Phase Two: CCT drafts a provisional breed standard, enabling accurate identification of genuine Sloughi dogs versus mixed‑breed companions.
- Phase Three: Controlled breeding practices spanning at least three successive generations strengthen the genetic pool, with the ultimate aim of securing official recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Cultural Heritage Beyond the Dog’s Physical Traits
More than a beautiful canine, the Sloughi is a living artefact of Tunisia’s intangible cultural heritage. Its centuries‑old lineage illustrates the bond between humans and animals that has shaped North African societies. Protecting the Sloughi, therefore, safeguards both biological diversity and a vital component of national identity.
Community Support and Government Action
Local breeders, especially in Douz—a region historically steeped in Sloughi tradition—champion a return to established genetic‑purity breeding methods. They urge the government to accelerate protective measures, including:
- Financial Investment: Direct funding for conservation projects.
- Legislative Protection: Laws that limit uncontrolled hybridisation and isolate endangered status awareness.
Success hinges on a collaborative effort among breeders, authorities, and conservationists. If the programme reaches its goal, it will not only rescue an ancient breed from the brink of extinction but also solidify the Sloughi’s status as a living emblem of Tunisia’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Committing to Preservation
Ongoing efforts reflect a deep commitment to preserving both the remarkable Sloughi and the traditions it embodies, ensuring future generations can appreciate this iconic specimen.
