Jammu and Kash mir is a confluence of diverse cultures, religious and ethnic groups; a place where rich and rare tapestry of civilisations have been woven over centuries. One of its distinct communities is of semi-nomadic Gujjars and Bakarwals who always clung to their tradition that distinguishes them from rest of the population giving them the title - simple children of nature. The Gujjars and the Bakarwals move from lowland to upland pastures with their herds of cattle, sheep and goats with the changing season. The most reliable companion during such migrations are the rarest Bakarwal dogs, which are considered to be an aboriginal species. But wisemen of the community say that Bakarwal dog may become extinct in the next few decades. "They are to lose this rarest of rare traditional and indigenous species within the next few decades," said Dr Javaid Rahi of the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation. Quoting a survey conducted by the foundation recently, he said that said that this rugged and courageous shepherd dog is among the most endangered species in the world today. "Let me put it straight. This species is at the verge of extinction," he said. What does it mean for the Gujjar-Bakarwal community if the shepherd dog is gone? "They will lose their partner," Mr Rahi said. The survey said that since 1970 the Gujjars-Bakarwals began settling at various places, thus relinquishing their nomadic way of life. Due to this, the importance of the Bakarwal dog has are gradually been lost in the lives of the tribesmen. However, post 1989-90 when Jammu and Kashmir was snared in militancy-related violence, the species witnessed a steep decline in number. Hundreds of shepherd dogs were killed each season in the state's higher reaches, the survey said. The Bakarwali shepherd dog is an ancient working breed found in the Hindu Kush and Himalayan belt of the Indian subcontinent , where it has been bred for many centuries by the Gujjar nomadic tribe as a livestock guardian and settlement protector. But the survey said that today there are only a few hundred of these dogs left, that too in the most difficult and inhospitable conditions. "Dozens of such dogs die every year because of throat problems, rabies and other infections for which no effective vaccine has been put into operation," Mr Rahi said. The survey also highlighted that the Bakarwali shepherd bitch is already on the decline and in fact rarely gives birth to pups. When it does, it gives birth to pups only once in whole year, that too only one to four pups while other breeds normally have the potential of delivering to four to 12 pups at a time. Also, the growing demand in Indian and foreign markets for the shep herd dogs from Jammu and Kashmir has resulted into the increase in the incidence of their smuggling and theft from original habitats which too has contributed to the declining number. The black-and-tan colouring and physical built of the Bakarwal Mastiff have led some authorities to link it with a number of old Molosser namely the Hyrcanian Mastiff, the Molossos tis Epirou, the Sylvan, the Tuvan Sheepdog, and the Siah Sag variety of the Iranian Sage Mazandarani as well as the European descendants of these breeds, the survey said. The Bakarwali dog only consumes milk products and bread and surprisingly avoids flesh of any type. They are famous for their ferocious demeanour and loyalty. They never try to harm the herd of their masters but protect them from external danger. They are as strong as jaguars and during testing times can even fight a tiger to protect the livestock and their masters. "This is the only species of dogs in the Himalayan region of India which is a resilient and serious working breed, capable of taking care of large herd of goats and sheep during tribal migrations. These dogs are very protective of their masters," he said. Commonly known for being deepchested, muscular and agile, the Bakarwali or Gujjar sheepdogs have straight backs, broad shoulders and long legs. They have strong bones, with powerful necks and large heads, the survey said. It added that these dogs come in a variety of sizes, from 26 inches tall to those exceeding 33 inches at the withers. They have medium-length flat coats that provide suitable protection from the harsh climate of the area, as well as from predators but due to cross-breeding in minor chunk of species the size and appearance of Bakarwali dog has been wronglyaffected.