An insight into the nomadic life of pastoralists for their sustainability in high altitude Changthang plains of Ladakh region; a case study

Abstract

The Changthang plain in Ladakh has a rocky mountainous topography with sparse vegetation and shallow soil. Practising agriculture under such terrain and cold arid climate, has very limited proposition. However, the Changpas, the native people, have been able to manage the meagre grasslands and the livestock resources of best breeds of sheep and goat populations for a sustainable living. The article is an outcome of surveys carried out in this region and highlights various aspects of nomadic life of native people, their ways of management of livestock and pastoralism on the limited rangelands. It was found that customary nomadic life of Changpas is closely related to strong cultural ethos, groups and the historical account of trade and commerce. However, this rangeland-livestock relationship is gradually weakening due to changing lifestyle and alternate economic activities.