Grasslands of the World.pdf - Disasters and Conflicts - UNEP

J.M. SUTTIE
Other grasslands 447
Plate 11.25
Traditional straw storage platform
and buffalo shelter in the Nepal
Terai near Tarahara.
pastures in summer . The upward movement to cooler areas in summer provides
better fodder and makes use of seasonal alpine and subalpine pastures,
but it is also almost essential for small stock because they would suffer severely
from disease and parasites were they to remain on the plains during the hot and
very humid monsoon season. Overwintering in or near farming areas in the
warm plains has several advantages: herders can buy crop residues (see Plate
11.25), feed grain and fodder and graze stubbles; they are close to markets for
stock and produce, and can often find seasonal employment. Sedentary groups
may send stock to summer pastures when these are accessible. Transhumants
must herd their flocks through or between farms and forest land to reach their
seasonal grazing pastures. In places that receive the monsoon, designated areas
are set aside through the monsoon periods and, after the rains, hay is made
from over-ripe herbage; it is of very low quality but is nevertheless highly
prized. The grasslands, including hayfields, are extremely steep and trekking
routes are difficult.
Herders and herding ethnic groups tend to specialize in either large or small
ruminants; small stock are more important in the dry areas. Camels are raised
in Afghanistan and Pakistan ’s Balochistan , and are used as transport to highland