Pastoralism and Rangeland Management on the Tibetan Plateau in ...

weather is becoming less predictable now than before. There has been a general
shift in both rainfall <strong>and</strong> snowfall, with both being delayed. Early rainfall in
Jestha Ashadh (May–June–July) is always better for pasture growth <strong>and</strong> forage
availability. Likewise, early snowfall is less harmful than late snowfall for the
animals.
Source: map provided by ACAP
Figure 1: Annapurna Conservation Area Project – UCO Lomanthang – CAMCs
Farm animals in Upper Mustang mainly consist of yak (Bos grunniens), Chauri/
Dzopa (a yak-cattle hybrid), cattle, horses, mules, Sheep <strong>and</strong> goats. Raising
livestock is the only major source of cash income <strong>and</strong> livelihoods, <strong>and</strong> helps
satisfy agricultural needs <strong>and</strong> fuel needs for approximately 5,700 people of
Upper Mustang.
3 Agro-pastures <strong>and</strong> Rangel<strong>and</strong> Conditions
By now, more than 70 different plant species including graminoids, forbs <strong>and</strong>
shrubs have been ecologically recorded in dry grassl<strong>and</strong>s, Lonicera community,
90