Abstract
Migratory livestock grazing is a major livelihood in highly seasonal and resource-scarce areas globally. Low productivity rangelands in arid ecosystems face degradation due to poorly-managed grazing practices. Rangeland degradation reduces livestock productivity and compromises wildlife health and abundance. We assessed changes in grazing practice during 2005–2015 as well as local knowledge and perceptions on pasture quality in the Kinnaura migratory herder and resident communities of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Using key-informant interviews and focus-group discussion, we found migratory livestock herd sizes nearly doubled during 2005–2015, presumably due to contract herding, although individual livestock holding by herders slightly declined. Prices of goat/sheep and wool increased >200% and 70% respectively, during the decade. Migratory herders and local people perceived degradation in pasture quality, presumably resulting in lowered palatable forage availability. Climate change and intensive livestock grazing were the perceived causes of pasture degradation. Herders attributed disease and decrease in livestock production (body-size and milk yield) as the main perceived implications of pasture degradation. Grazing continues to be widespread and an important livelihood in the South and Central Asian mountain ecosystems. Involving migratory herder communities in rangeland management through inclusive policy has the potential to facilitate sustainable livestock production alongside wildlife conservation.References
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