Transhumant system of livestock production in Nepal

This system is adopted in high Himalayan areas where herds of yaks, chauris (yak-cattle crosses), cattle, sheep, goats and horses migrate from one place to another throughout the year. Livestock move together in an annual cycle according to availability pasture and the weather conditions at different altitudes. Sheep, goats and horses are more adaptable and move between 1200 – 4000 m. Vegetation at higher altitudes is only accessible for grazing in summer (July – September). Thereafter herds are moved to lower areas for winter (December – March); however, yaks are adapted only to cold climates and are seldom taken below 2500 m.

This system utilizes forage resources from the alpine pastures during the monsoon, and crop stubble and fallow land in winter. During upward and downward migrations undergrowth in the forest region is the major forage source. The traditional migratory routes are disrupted and access to forest for forage or grazing is restricted by the community forestry user groups in different districts. Goats and sheep supply meat and fibre. The use of yaks, mules, sheep and goats for trading and transport of basic inputs provides an important source of income.