Garole is a breed of sheep reared in the Sunderban region of India and Bangladesh. The animals of this breed are adapted to the hot and humid coastal region and are often seen grazing in water. Garole are reared as mutton sheep. The value of their wool is grossly ignored and presently wasted. The raw wool obtained from this breed can be stored for a long time without any significant deterioration in quality, that might be attributed to the genetic tolerance of the breed towards fleece rot. The wool quality parameters of Garole sheep indicate that the wool is coarse but has an excellent felting property. The raisers of these sheep are economically challenged members of the society, and handicrafts produced from the wool can assist in the alleviation of poverty as well as provide an alternative livelihood. An organisation has taken steps in scientific sheep rearing in the region and has assisted in training members of the community in the production of rugs from the wool. The organisation is also providing assistance in marketing the products developed on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Garole, a highly prolific breed of sheep can be characterised as real microsheep of India. Literature available in respect of its genetic potentiality for fecundity and other economic parameters is very scanty. This has peculiar characteristics such as prolificacy, resistance to foot rot disease, grazing in knee-deep water, adaptability to hot humid conditions and high mothering instinct for their neonates. Some research and development programmes have recently been initiated by Central and State Governments to study this valuable germplasm in a systematic manner. Endeavours are required to evaluate this animal in its home tract and in-situ conservation involving local sheep farmers is necessary for posterity.