This comprehensive study delves into the interconnections of Malaimadu cattle keepers, their native cattle breeds, and the ecosystems they inhabit. In a world grappling with ecological imbalances and social inequalities, this research seeks to amplify the voices of these cattle keepers and shed light on the profound implications of grazing limitations and forest rights. Anchored in the ethos of inclusivity, fairness, and accountability, this study advocates for sustainable livelihood, biodiversity conservation, and preservation of local knowledge systems.

At the heart of this exploration is the intersection of native cattle management and ecological interdependencies. The Malaimadu cattle keeper communities spread across Tamil Nadu, rely on the seasonal migration patterns of their cattle for sustenance. Grazing lands serve as a lifeline, connecting their breeds with ecosystems and village life. The study highlights the vital role these lands play in not just cattle management but also in maintaining the cattle keepers’ integrated ways of living.

Central to the narrative is the Forest Rights Act (FRA), a transformative legislation recognizing the rights of scheduled tribes and forest-dwelling populations. Final few chapters delve into the consequences of grazing restrictions imposed on these communities and the adaptive challenges they face. As they deal with the burden of restricted access to vital resources, the study calls for an equitable and informed approach to FRA implementation. Empowering these cattle herders through awareness and facilitating their engagement in decision-making processes emerges as a critical step toward sustaining their way of life.

The misrepresentation of Malaimadu cattle keepers obscures the diverse identities within these communities. This challenge shows the disparities in risks and impacts, and the study highlights the need for equitable rights distribution. The study recognizes the crucial role that breed recognition and conservation could play in securing the future of both these communities and their cattle. By officially recognizing the Malaimadu cattle breed and leveraging international legal instruments, the study advocates for accountability in safeguarding biodiversity and community livelihoods.

The study acknowledges the limitations of gender-balanced representation and village coverage. Despite these constraints, the study's recommendations resonate with urgency. They advocate for unity among cattle keeper communities across age, caste, class, and gender. This unity, rooted in shared reliance on natural resources, holds the potential to amplify their collective voice and address localised concerns effectively.

In conclusion, this study emerges as a clarion call for action and collaboration. It proposes a collaborative approach that acknowledges the inseparable relationship between native cattle keeper communities, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods. The study's recommendations, ranging from breed recognition to FRA awareness and international advocacy, paint a roadmap
toward a future where these cattle keepers thrive. By embracing this interdisciplinary journey, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers can collectively shape a narrative of inclusivity, fairness, and accountability that stands as a testament to the value of local ecological knowledge and the importance of Malaimadu cattle keeper communities.