A brief introduction provides an overview of the common issues concerning the maintenance of the biodiversity of all food species (farmers and crops, livestock herders and domestic animals, and fisherfolk and aquatic diversity). This includes: the erosion of biodiversity; the causes of genetic erosion; reversing the trends; conservation approaches (in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, conservation in genetic 'reserves'), the institutional context (the FAO, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, and the World Trade Organization); key policy issues; and a call for action. The important role of livestock keepers in safeguarding domestic animal diversity through their animal husbandry is discussed. Information is presented on: livelihoods and food security; the history of animal domestication; the problem that domestic animal diversity may be given a low priority; the extent of loss of domestic animal diversity; who the livestock keepers are; domestic animal diversity, as different types of production system need different types of animals; the causes of the loss of domestic animal diversity; ways of conserving animals through either static or dynamic diversity; conservation initiatives focusing on the Rare Breeds Trust; the big players and global instruments for conserving domestic animal diversity. Policy recommendations are presented in conclusion.