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Fate of yak herding in the highlands of Mustang, Nepal: A case of Namu Bhrapse Rangeland
Author
Sanjyal, S
Joshi, S
Gorkhali, N
Dhakal, B
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

Rangelands are essential as they offer a range of ecosystem services that supports the livelihood of the people residing in the Himalayas. Yak herding is considered as one of the vital components of the rangeland ecosystem of Nepal. Yak farming tradition together with yak population are now facing an intensified decline ma inly due to various reasons. Lack of palatable species, drying of water sources, lack of infrastructures and conflicts between local bodies and the government are some of the issues. While the earlier herders are getting old, it is difficult to entice the younger generations who are attracted towards lucrative business like agrotourism and cordyceps business that provides a great economic returns. As young people lack their interest in her ding yaks, people from the neighbouring districts are paid to herd the yaks. Further more, climate change has led to worsen the scenario, with altered grazing pattern, lack of snowfall and rainfall and increasing temperature has depleted the vegetation quality and quantity in the rangelands. Unless there is an urgent intervention for sustainable management of rangelands from the government and local level, this culturally, economically, and ecologically important practice may disappear soon, leading to a serious repercussion on the communities and the environment th ey rely on. This study explains the scenario of rangeland of Mustang district namely Namu Bhrapsa Kharka which is a summer pastures for yak herding.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 217-219. Theme: Theme 1 / Poster presentations – Theme 1
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
Livelihood
vegetation
tourism
climate change
employment