Protect Yak Pastoralism In Himalayas

Pastoralism – a practice where domesticated animals are raised and herded in open grazing areas – has historically been an important source of subsistence and livelihoods for Himalayan mountain communities. People in Nepal herd yaks, chauri (yak-cow hybrids), sheep, and goats. Yak and chauri herders practice transhumance pastoralism, moving their herds seasonally to pastures at different altitudes. However, transhumance pastoralism has been on the decline for decades. The reasons for this include outmigration, changes in land tenure due to government policy, the establishment of conservation areas, and shifting social values.