Frankenau has been an Ark Region since 2014, making it only the second region in Germany to be designated as dedicated to protecting the landscape and the ancient breeds. 

Many breeders take part in conservation breeding programs and organize themselves into associations or communities. The exchange of breeding animals is essential for the preservation of the old breeds. The breeders are highly committed with idealism and passion. They are active in the region and also nationwide to present their animals or to ensure genetic exchange. The Red List includes animal species from bees to horses. There is at least one endangered breed in every type of livestock. In Hesse, various funding opportunities are used to support the keepers of old livestock breeds.

Here you can download the Red List of Endangered Livestock Breeds in Germany 2024:

Sheep, goats, horses and cows are used by local farmers to look after the species-rich grassland. In accordance with their selective feeding habits, the roughage-eating animals graze in a location-specific manner. Due to the different conditions, careful attention is paid to the suitability of the animal species and breed when selecting them. As steppe animals, horses are primarily used in drier locations with old grass stands. Sheep and goats are particularly light and are often used for grazing where little or no trampling damage is desired. There are various grazing concepts whereby different plants can be promoted or deliberately displaced.