Documenting And Evaluating Key Forage Plants Of Mid-Altitude Forests: Insights From Gaddi Shepherds' Migration Routes

Abstract

This study systematically records and assesses important forage plants browsed by sheep and goats in the mid-altitude forests along the migratory paths of the Gaddi shepherds, emphasising their traditional applications and ecological importance. Through fieldwork and thorough analysis, 51 forage plant species used by sheep and goats were identified and classified according to their botanical nomenclature, family, habit, and use value. Species like Rhododendron arboreum, Ziziphus mauritiana, and Carissa spinarum demonstrated the highest use values, underscoring their significance in supporting livestock during transhumance. This study highlights the complex understanding possessed by Gaddi pastoralists and their reliance on mid-altitude ecosystems for livestock grazing. The results highlight the importance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into forest management and conservation approaches to enhance the sustainability of these vital ecosystems and the pastoralist lifestyle.