Ile de la Reunion
Le Cercle des Eleveurs de Combattant Reunionnais
History
This tropical, vulcanic island was discovered in 1507 by a Portuguese Tristan da Cunha and in 1649, it was claimed by the French and named Ile Bourbon. Réunion was occupied by the French in the 1640s. The island became prosperous during the 18th century, along with nearby Mauritius, when it lay on the shipping routes which carried trade between Europe and Asia. Sugar plantations, worked by slaves imported from Africa, formed the other main economic sector. Réunion was ruled as a colony until 1946 when it was granted the status of an Overseas Department of France. Due to historical and economic events the isle of Reunion has developed an interesting population. Now at present day a variety of etnic groups like French, African , Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani and Indians have settled on the island.
Were to find us ?
Ile de la Reunion is located roughly 500 miles (750 Km) east of Madagascar
Gamefowl Breeds
The etnhic diversity of Reunion is refelected in the variety of excisting gamefowl breeds. You can find: French Game (Grand Combattant du Nord), Belgian Game, Aseel, Spanish Game, Old English Game, Thai Game and the mediumweight Chu Shamo (locally known as Osaka Shamo - which is very popular). Some of the breds were only used for crossing. There was an interbreeding of the big three types of poultry: bankivoïde, sumatroïde and malayoïde. But at present day the malayoïde gamefowl-type clearly dominates Reunion gamefowl.
The Sport
Like in Northern France (Dept.Du Nord & Bad Calais) cockfighting is legal on Reunion island. However on Reunion the birds are fought in naked heels (no steel spurs allowed). Maximum weight is 4 Kgs (8.8 Lbs) and bouts last upto 2 hours. Fighting takes place in 7 pits on the island. These are not organized.
Picture Gallery
(various types of Reunion gamefowl - pictures by Philippe Zitte).
Friends of Gamefowl
An evergrowing database of gamefowl breeders all around the world. If you are looking for contacts, information or breeding material this is the definitly the best place to be. Recommended site !
Reunion Links
Information about Reunion, for extra info please contact Mr.Eric Lin Teng Shee ekotourist@wanadoo.fr
Gamefowl Events
An International Naked Heel Tournament has been planned, check this site out for updates on this upcoming event. Further information provided by the CECC Contactpersons.
CECR Contacts
Mr.Philippe Zitte - 23 Chemin du Général de
Gaulle le Brulé - 97400 St Denis - La Reunion
zittephilippe@wanadoo.fr
Mr.Eric Lin Teng Shee - 145 route de Fatima -
Bernica - 97435 Saint Gilles les Hauts - Ile de la Réunion
Tel.(33)0262 55 58 85 or Fax.(33)0262 22 84 48
erlinteng@wanadoo.fr
