Herders and livestock professionals’ experiences and perceptions on developments and challenges in yak farming in Bhutan

• DOI: 10.1071/an19090
• Publication Date: 2020-07-07T00:24:26Z
• Authors: Nedup Dorji; Marjolein Derks; Phub Dorji; Peter W. G. Groot...; Eddie A. M. Bokkers
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 0106 biological sciences; welfare; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; policy

Context The yak-based transhumant system is influenced by socioeconomic developments, regulations and environmental changes. Little known about the impact of this on yak farming practices among different regions in Bhutan. Aim methods experienced changes over years perceptions developments were assessed through interviews with herders three (west, n = 22; central, 20; east, 25) livestock extensionists (n 28). Key results At present, forage shortage rangeland, mortality mainly due to (endangered) wild predators and, a lesser extent, labour availability are main concerns all regions. These have increased (e.g. education other sources income) strong conservation policy, which affects living environment yaks. Overall, market sell products extension services has improved, but years. However, some factors causing more specific certain regions, e.g. competition horse population (west), cattle cattle–yak hybrids (east), cordyceps collection (west central) prohibited burning rangelands (central east). Family available herd yaks slightly decreased, number young family members (successors) take decreased Conclusions On basis experiences extensionists, we conclude that increasing rangelands, decreasing numbers successors, predation animals major threats farming. Implications This study demonstrates Bhutan an pressure sustain. Differences between make clear one blanket-policy will not be effective preserve for future.