[1] Until recently, this biotype was geographically isolated between Chínipas and Témoris, Chihuahua in the remote Rio Oteros region of the Copper Canyon, home to the Tarahumara.

[1][8][6] In collaborative ethological scientific studies between the USDA-ARS's JER, New Mexico State University, and Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Rarámuri Criollo cows have consistently exhibited unique behavioral traits when compared to traditional British breeds.

[10][11] These cattle are under continuous scientific study because these behavioral traits are suspected to be more environmentally sustainable, especially under the impending threat of climate change, than those exhibited by more traditional breeds as increased exploration, reduced water dependency, and spatial non-constraints by calving mean that cows are less likely to overuse patches of vulnerable desert vegetation thus ensuring resilience of those biological rangeland resources.

[12] The ancestors of Rarámuri Criollo were initially used by early Spanish explorers and the Tarahumara for milk, draught, and companionship,[1] but the biotypes is now considered a novel beef breed, which could be used for climate change adaptation and conservation grazing management strategies .

[14] Other baseline data indicates that grass-finished steers will weigh 800 - 1000 lbs at 30 months of age and yield extremely tender meat, suggesting that they may be a viable alternative for producers seeking to raise grass-fed cattle in arid environments with limited resources.