cattleraiding

Cattleraiding is the act of stealing cattle, typically on a large scale. Historically, it has been a practice in various pastoral societies and frontier regions where livestock was a primary form of wealth. The motivations behind cattleraiding could range from economic necessity to a display of power or a form of warfare between tribes or groups. The methods employed varied greatly, from swift, opportunistic theft to organized, armed expeditions. Recovering stolen cattle, or retaliating against raiders, was often a dangerous undertaking.

In many parts of the world, particularly in arid or semi-arid regions with extensive grazing lands, cattle served as a mobile form of wealth and a source of sustenance. This made them vulnerable to theft. The social and political structures of these societies often played a role in the prevalence and impact of cattleraiding. In some cultures, it was an accepted, albeit risky, way to acquire wealth or settle disputes. In others, it was a criminal activity that disrupted communities and led to cycles of violence.

With the advent of stronger state control, the development of modern policing, and changes in agricultural practices, large-scale cattleraiding has become less common in many areas. However, it can still occur in regions with weak governance, remote territories, or where traditional herding practices persist alongside modern economies. The term can also be used more broadly to describe the theft of livestock in general.