The Ethiopian Boran cattle evolved from the Borana pastoralists’ successful breeding strategiesunder the harsh conditions of arid rangelands. At present two types of this breed are known toexist in the Borana rangelands: the Qorti, or the typical Boran, and the Ayuna, its local variantwith smaller body weight and lesser demands on pasture. This paper illustrates the impact ofexternal interference on the maintenance of the Boran cattle breed in its original habitat.