The Mobility of Pastoralists Contributes to Seed Dispersal (Day 10)

Apr 25, 2019 | In the Field, Photo Stories

Based on the needs of the herd, the geographic conditions in each landscape, and the day they wake up to, The Bacak family decide when to move fast or slow or to rest. On the 10th Day, they cover a distance of 73km. Both the family and herd enjoy tasting the different plant species which make up the changing vegetation composition along their route. The maintenance of so many plant species depends on the herds dispersing seeds as they roam. The migration routes sustained by livestock mobility are ecological corridors that favour seed dispersal and connect valuable habitats, avoiding isolation and fragmentation which are among the most serious threats to areas of high biodiversity. Mobile pastoralists ensure long seed dispersal distances for plants through the transportation of seeds attached to their animals’ coats or hooves and the dispersal by ingestion and later defecation. Seeds attached to the fleece of livestock can be transported distances of up to several hundred kilometres in substantial numbers. A herd of 1,000 sheep can transport as many as 200 million ingested seeds along the migration routes between seasonal ranges during their 1,500 km migration. Seeds attached to the fleece, or seed spitting should be added to this figure.
Yolda Initiative is a nature conservation NGO based in Turkey and operating at international level. Yolda works for the conservation of biodiversity through research, advocacy, communications and partnerships. Recognizing that humans, with their cultural diversity, are an integral component of ecosystems, traditional cultural practises that benefits biodiversity are a particular focus of Yolda.

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Mobile Pastoralism and Nature (Day 4)

Mobile Pastoralism and Nature (Day 4)

Apr 19, 2019 | ,

Mobile pastoralism has persisted over the centuries thanks to its harmonious existence with nature. Relying on a constant interaction and interdependency with the nature has led practitioners to cultivate a rich body of traditional ecological knowledge, which in turn...

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