Also known as Tanganyika, the Red Maasai is a native sheep breed traditionally reared by the Maasai across East Africa. The Red Maasai sheep, locally known as Enker Nanyoike, he says, has been vanishing and is almost becoming extinct. For instance, the Red Maasai sheep is highly resistant to diseases and pests and does not need frequent deworming and medication, making it climate-smart. Red Maasai sheep meat is sweeter because the breed feeds on indigenous herbs and licks natural salt in the fields, he offers. There are crossbreeds between the Red Maasai and hybrids, but with time, they take the characteristics of the latter, according to Margaret Tunda, a campaigner for Maasai culture preservation.

Source: Daily Nation April 10, 2020 17:26 UTC