Conservation and Utilization of Indigenous Cattle and Livestock among the Transhumant Pastoralists of Kumaun Himalaya (India)

Nehal A. Farooquee and K. S. Rao

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DOI: 10.2190/QRF6-R9FR-MYQ9-LWWU

Abstract

Transhumant pastoral production in the high altitudes of the Kumaun region of Indian central Himalaya is oriented toward guaranteeing a subsistence livelihood by efforts to attain food production and to reduce environmental risks. Production strategies involve the simultaneous use of several ecological zones each year to utilize the available resources in a judicious manner. This form of human adaptation has led to the conservation and utilization of indigenous cattle and livestock for centuries. This article tries to highlight some of the indigenous methods of livestock conservation through cross breeding and sustainable management practices of the indigenous animal resources. Now, the construction of roads in the region and introduction of communication and other developmental infrastructures threatens the traditional way of life and indigenous cattle and livestock management practices.

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