The mobility of herds in southern France: past, present and future

Abstract

This paper provides a literature review about herd mobility in southern France, with a focus on its technical and organizational aspects. Data from 30 interviews carried out by the authors provide the farmer’s perceptions. Mobility can be local or long-distance, and may or may not involve elevation changes. Seasonal mobility along an elevation gradient is well-known: summer transhumance to the high pastures, winter transhumance to lowlands and peri-Mediterranean areas. Transhumance in southern France has been known for centuries, and its practice has evolved over time. In the XXI° century, it remains widespread and mobilizes modern means and technologies. Whatever its form, mobility enables to offer the herd, as long as possible, sufficient pastoral resources; therefore, it promotes efficient and self-sufficient systems. The temporary presence of herds is compatible with the multi-purpose use of natural areas. Where practiced, mobility saves inputs, may reduce the farmer’s workload and ensures the animals’ welfare. Its implementation requires sanitary precautions and proper coordination between the different actors. The steady increase in wolf predation pressure represents a major obstacle to herd mobility, especially for sheep. In order to maintain or develop mobility, new predation management tools (hardware, legislation, administration) should be provided, the practice should be better documented and the support to the multi-use of pastoral areas should be continued.