Karkambhi (also spelled Karkambi)

Origin: Coastal Karnataka, South India. Found mainly in South Canara and Udupi districts.

Colour / Look: Black body, sometimes with white markings. Medium-sized. Round belly with relatively short legs.

Body Weight: Adult boar: 50-70 kg. Adult sow: 40-60 kg.

Purpose: Pork production for local coastal communities. Used in traditional South Canara pork dishes.

Key Features: Adapted to the hot and very humid coastal climate of Karnataka. Feeds on coconut waste, fish scraps, and paddy husks. Disease-resistant. Produces flavourful pork preferred in traditional Tulu Nadu cuisine.

ICAR Guidance: ICAR-NBAGR has registered Karkambhi as an indigenous breed of coastal Karnataka. Conservation efforts are recommended to prevent genetic erosion due to the introduction of exotic breeds in the region.