Abstract
Natural forage based migratory livestock herding is an important component of regional livelihood in the high altitude regions of Uttarakhand. Bhotiya, Van Gujjars and other hill pastoralists are traditionally engaged in migratory pastoralism. They practice cyclic seasonal migration with their livestock from foothills forests to alpine pastures and vice versa. Over the years, massive land use change and restrictions on grazing and migration in large forest areas have fragmented the pastoral landscape in the region. In 2010-11 Uttarakhand had only 1985.26 km² area designated as permanent pastures and other grazing land for the 5,121,138 grazing livestock. Creation of protected areas which is not inclusive, rapid urbanisation, increasing road networks through forests, hydro-power projects, change in social structure etc. have fragmented this traditional livelihood. There was a negative growth (-6.53%) of sheep population in state during the period 1997-2007 and negative meat production (-13.88%) during 2004-06. Himalayan pastoralism that has been ecologically sound so far is now facing a number of challenges. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i3.12462 International Journal of Life Sciences 9 (3): 2015; 18-23
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