User:Chris.at.Biodiversity.IHEDUcation/sandbox

The Yeonsan Ogye (연산오겨) chicken is a distinct breed, bred and maintained in the Chungcheongnam province of South Korea. It is characterized by it's black coloration, including feathers, skin, claws, comb, eyes, and bones

Cultural Significance
This chicken breed has reportedly been bred since the middle ages. To recognize its unique and historic character, it was designated Korean Natural Monument no. 265 by the South Korean government in 1980. The Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity has included the Ogye chicken in it's Ark of Taste, identifying this breed as satisfying numerous criteria including distinctive taste, traditional or historical importance, and risk of extinction among others.

Conservation Status
The Ogye chicken has been the subject of efforts to maintain a sizable breeding population and to secure the genetic basis of the breed. Korean researchers have undertaken dedicated efforts to develop enhanced measures for the long-term preservation of genetic material including cryostorage of semen, and primordial germ cells. In addition, recent threats surrounding outbreaks of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) including both direct disease outbreaks as well as mandated culling of domestic fowl have raised concern over the long-term maintenance of the breed.