Why are sheep and goats important in Istria and Dalmatia?

In the Adriatic littoral regions of Istria and Dalmatia, sheep and goats are raised primarily because the local environment is poorly suited for other forms of agriculture. The region is characterized by rocky soil, limited arable land, and frequent, long periods of drought, which result in poor pasture conditions.1

These animals are well-adapted to the challenging terrain and climate of the coastal landscape, allowing them to thrive where traditional crop farming or cattle grazing would be difficult or unproductive. Their presence, alongside the cultivation of Mediterranean crops such as olives, grapes, figs, and almonds, forms a vital component of the region's agricultural economy.1