Dama feral cattle

The Dama feral cattle are a feral breed of domestic cattle, believed to have been first introduced to Asidama in the second century BCE. Thousands still freely roam the island, and they are widely considered to be a key part of the modern ecosystem of Asidama. It is one of four recognized native Dama cattle breeds, and one of two small populars believed to have never been cross-bred with foreign cattle (the other being the Chikasi breed from the island of Chikasi, west of the main island).

History
Cattle are believed to have been brought to Asidama from Skephon in around the second century BCE. Until the modern era, they were used primarily for their milk and as draught animals in agriculture, forestry, mining, and transport, and as a source of fertilizer. Consumption of cattle for the meat was typically restricted to the wealthy by sumptuary laws, and cattle were seen by most as expensive and valuable - far too valuable for the average farmer to simply butcher and eat. Due to free roam grazing practices undertaken by farmers inland, it was not uncommon historically for cattle to occasionally escape and wander the wilderness. By the time of the 15th century, it is estimated that nearly 300,000 feral cattle could be found on the island. The success of the cattle can largely be explained by their out-competing of native herbivores, as well as their being considerably larger than any native predators. Facing virtually no competition, these feral cattle contributed significantly to the decline of many native plant and animal species in Asidama.

In response to the growing abundance of feral cattle, a uniquely Dama tradition of ranching was developed beginning in the 17th century. The Dama style of ranching traditionally includes capturing the feral cattle by driving them into pits dug in the forest floor. Once somewhat tamed by hunger and thirst, they were then hauled out up a steep ramp and tied by their horns to the horns of a tame, older steer or ox that knew where the paddock with food and water was located. The industry revolved primarily around the capture of feral cattle to be sold as beasts of burden, but the abundance of the animals did lead to an increase of beef consumption among the lower classes. Indeed, following the increasing amount of destruction wrought by the cattle on local crops, nobility in many inland regions lifted the laws against beef consumption, provided that the beef consumed came from feral cattle. Today, the Royal Department of Natural Resources' Division of Land and Forestry is involved in the management of the feral cattle, organizing lotteries for special access and permission to hunt or tame the creatures. The hunt is not an easy one, as the cattle have, over the generations, become smaller and more wild in attitude. The feral cattle are commonly involved with vehicle collisions in the inland, as they commonly congregate on paved roads to enjoy the sun-heated asphalt. Road signs warning against cows in darkness or fog are common. The Dama feral cattle are listed as a "maintained" bred by the nation's government.