Kunekune

Kunekune

The Kunekune (also Kune kune, Kune-kune or Kune; pronounced "coonie coonie") is a small breed of domestic pig from New Zealand. Kunekunes are hairy, and have a dumpy build and unusual tassels (or pire pire) hanging from their lower jaw. Colour ranges include black and white, ginger, white, gold, tan and brown. They have a placid, friendly nature and like the pot-bellied pig are now often kept as pets.

Origin

They are believed to be descended from an Asian domestic breed introduced to New Zealand in the early 1800s by whalers or traders, and are markedly different from the feral pig known in New Zealand as a "Captain Cooker". Kunekunes were kept by the native Māori people, and "kunekune" means "chubby" in the Māori language.

Rarity

By the 1980s it was estimated that there were around 50 purebred Kunekune pigs left. Michael Willis and John Simister, wildlife park owners, started a breeding recovery program, which in turn encouraged other recovery efforts. The breed is now in no danger, with breed societies in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

External links

* [http://www.kunekune.co.nz The New Zealand Kune Kune Breeders' Association]

* [http://www.britishkunekunepigsociety.co.uk/ British Kune Kune Pig Society]

* [http://www.rarebreeds.co.nz/dna.html DNA studies]


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