Where seasons once called: The fading world of transhumant herders in the Garhwal Himalayas

Traditional transhumant herding systems face unprecedented challenges from environmental change, threatening both traditional pastoral livelihoods and indigenous knowledge. This study examines the impacts of biophysical landscape transformations on the Bhotia transhumants of Chamoli district, who have practised seasonal livestock migration historically. The study documented herder-perceived disruptions to traditional grazing patterns, validated through spatial analysis. The study reveals majority of herders report high impacts on grazing practices due to environmental changes and associated dynamics. The findings reveal declining forage availability, water scarcity, and altered vegetation, forcing herders to abandon traditional grazing rotations for multiple shorter stays during the journey. Further, the invasive species encroachment has reduced alpine pasture access, while 90-95 percent of traditional water sources have dried up. Herd sizes have declined from historical levels of 1,200-1,500 animals to current averages of 500-600 livestock. The landscape changes fundamentally alter resource management strategies, with herders experiencing increased grazing time and intensified livestock care demands. Transhumance is diminishing as people shift to alternative occupations for better income. As a result, this ancient Himalayan cultural tradition faces a threat in the modern era. These findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive management strategies that preserve traditional ecological knowledge while supporting community resilience in rapidly changing mountain environments.