Pastoralism in the highest peaks: Role of the traditional grazing systems in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem function in the alpine Himalaya

Abstract

Rangelands cover around half of the planet’s land mass and provide vital ecosystem services to over a quarter of humanity. The Himalayan rangelands, part of a global biodiversity hotspot is among the most threatened regions in the world. In rangelands of many developing nations policies banning grazing in protected areas is common practice. In 1998, the Indian state of Sikkim, in the Eastern Himalaya, enacted a grazing ban in response to growing anthropogenic pressure in pastures and forests that was presumably leading to degradation of biodiversity. Studies from the region demonstrate the grazing ban has had some beneficial results in the form of increased carbon stocks and regeneration of some species of conservation value but the ban also resulted in negative outcomes such as reduced household incomes, increase in monocultures in lowlands, decreased manure production in a state that exclusively practices organic farming, spread of gregarious species, and a perceived increase in human wildlife conflict. This paper explores the impact of the traditional pastoral system on high elevation plant species in Lachen valley, one of the few regions of Sikkim where the grazing ban was not implemented. Experimental plots were laid in along an elevation gradient in grazed and ungrazed areas. Ungrazed areas are part of pastures that have been fenced off (preventing grazing) for over a decade and used by the locals for hay formation. I quantified plant species diversity (Species richness, Shannon index, Simpson diversity index, and Pielou evenness index) and ecosystem function (above ground net primary productivity ANPP). The difference method using movable exlosure cages was used in grazing areas to account for plant ANPP eaten and regrowth between grazing periods). The results demonstrate that grazing significantly contributes to greater plant species diversity (Species richness, Shannon index, Simpson diversity index, and Pielou evenness index) and ecosystem function (using above ground net primary productivity as an indicator). The multidimensional scaling and ANOSIM (Analysis of Similarities) pointed to significant differences in plant species assemblages in grazed and ungrazed areas. Further, ecosystem function is controlled by grazing, rainfall and elevation. Thus, the traditional transhumant pastoral system may enhance biodiversity and ecosystem function. I argue that a complete restriction of open grazing meet neither conservation nor socioeconomic goals. Evidence based policies are required to conserve the rich and vulnerable biodiversity of the region.

Novel microalgae strains from selected lower Himalayan aquatic habitats as potential sources of green products

“…These extremities lend support to our hypothesis that the study area would be rich in unique suite of microalgae strains that possess desirable adaptive attributes suitable for potential microalgal products generation. Generally, the Himalayan region is ranked among the top biodiversity hotspot known to accommodate organisms bestowed with unique adaptive features [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Dayara bugyal restoration model in the alpine and subalpine region of the Central Himalaya: a step toward minimizing the impacts

“…The alpine pastures in the Himalaya provide a wide range of ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water storage and provisioning, maintaining biodiversity, food security and livelihoods. But current days, these ecological treasure houses are facing degradation threats like upcoming invasive species, inappropriate management and development policies, soil erosion, extraction of medicinal plants, overgrazing and climate change 23 . Therefore, these areas require not only the protection of native vegetation but also its restoration wherever necessary.…”

Natural Carbon Sinks Linked to Pastoral Activity in S Spain: A Territorial Evaluation Methodology for Mediterranean Goat Grazing Systems

“…In addition, a payment for the regulation ES provided, included in the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), would contribute to improving the profitability of this livestock farming model, thus favoring the generational change in rural areas and, thereby, preventing its disappearance. In the belief that the benefits of traditional pastoralism cannot be ignored, some progress is being made because the absence of grazing may result in loss of biodiversity and reduced ecosystem functions [54]. Nevertheless, a little knowledge regarding ES provided by extensive herds has resulted in an inadequate design of CAP aids, particularly in the first Pillar including direct payments and market measures [55].…”