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Read more about the article World map of yaks

World map of yaks

Our new world map of yaks shows around 70 pastoralist groups who keep yaks and nearly 50 organizations that are involved in yak research, development and support. The map also shows the approximate range of the domesticated yak (Bos grunniens) as well as the distribution of wild yaks (Bos mutus). Yaks are central to pastoral livelihoods in the cold, high mountains and plateaus of Central Asia, where few other livestock can thrive. There are about 14–15 million domestic yaks worldwide, with over 90% in China; Mongolia has around 600,000, with smaller populations in Bhutan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia and Tajikistan. Yaks provide milk, butter and cheese, meat, wool and fibre, hides and skins. They are used as pack animals as well as for riding and draught power. Their dung is used as fertilizer and is an important fuel where wood is scarce. Yaks have also been introduced to North America, Europe and New Zealand, where they are also used for landscape maintenance. Special thanks to Professor Lóng Ruìjūn of Lanzhou University, China, for the initial idea for this map and for providing much of the information on which it is based. The world map of yaks is one of a series of maps of pastoralism prepared by the League for Pastoral Peoples and Endogenous Livestock Development. Other maps include pastoralist groups, threats to pastoralism, migration routes, videos on pastoralism and camelids.

New dossier: We need pastoralists! How herders and farmers sustain fertile landscapes

This 20-page dossier, published by Misereor in collaboration with the League for Pastoral Peoples, DiTSL, the Foundation for Ecological Security and Welt-Sichten, focuses on how herders and farmers collaborate to sustain fertile landscapes. An estimated half a billion people worldwide depend on pastoralism for their livelihoods. Pastoralists keep around one billion animals, accounting for around half of the world’s livestock. They make a significant contribution to food security and the economiy by supplying milk, meat, hides, skins, and live animals for both domestic consumption and export.. Their mobile livestock production system enhances biodiversity on rangelands and sustains their function as carbon sinks. Pastoralism is one of the oldest forms of production known to humankind. An estimated half a billion people worldwide depend on pastoralism for their livelihoods. If we include those who process or market livestock products as well as urban consumers, up to two billion people benefit directly or indirectly from pastoral production. Pastoralists keep around one billion animals, accounting for around half of the world’s livestock. They make a significant contribution to food security by supplying valuable protein (milk, meat) while contributing both to the export of live animals, hides, and skins and to national value creation in their respective countries.Furthermore, their mobile livestock production system enhances biodiversity on rangelands and sustains their function as carbon sinks. Despite this impressive track record, the public knows little about pastoralists.Reports about pastoralists are often full of myths and prejudices. While the media frequently reports on conflicts between settled farming communities and herders, it rarely reports on the often close relationships between these groups that have developed over time or these groups’ mutual exchange and peaceful coexistence. The present publication aims to mark the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (2026) by filling this gap. The introductory article seeks to familiarise readers with the complex world of pastoralists. Part 2 provides an overview of the diverse synergies between pastoralist and farming communities in India by highlighting the relationship between farmers and herders. For example, manure from pastoralist production ensures that we can enjoy organic coffee from India. Part 3 explores how peaceful coexistence is possible in Nigeria’s politically charged climate and how pastoralist and farming communities in Tanzania refuse to be divided despite restrictive government policies. The publication concludes with suggestions from a conference in Nairobi and conclusions from the editorial team. Download English German

Madrid, April 2026: „Global declaration of young pastoralists”

International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists: Young pastoralists, including indigenous pastoralists, from across Africa, Arctic, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas gathered in Madrid from 9 to 11 April 2026 and adopted this important global declaration together. Global declaration of young pastoralists - Download

19 organizations sign civil society statement on the International Year of Camelids

Nineteen civil society organizations have so far signed a statement calling for greater efforts to support the development of camelids around the world.Camelids include domesticated alpacas, llamas, dromedaries and Bactrian camels, plus guanacos, vicunas and wild Bactrians, which are wild species.Domesticated camelids are vital for herders in the Andes of South America, the drylands of the Sahel and East Africa, and the deserts and steppes of the Middle East and Central Asia. The civil-society statement calls on governments to ensure that herders can remain mobile so they can continue to find pasture and water in these harsh environments. It also calls for investments in small dairies and decentralized infrastructure so herders can sell their products, and better provision of veterinary services to keep their livestock healthy.It stresses the need for standards for camelid welfare and the avoidance of the industrial management practices that have become typical of other livestock species.2024 has been designated as the International Year of Camelids by the United Nations. Download the statement. Do you represent a civil-society organization? Contact info@pastoralpeoples.org to sign up to the statement.