From ritual behavior to agroecological sustainability: Movement as a purification method for animal and landscape welfare in mobile pastoralism

Abstract

The term transhumance derives from the Latin “trans” (across) and “humus” (land); crossing the lands. Transhumance is a system of cyclical and seasonal herd mobility, guided by shepherds, between different grazing lands. It can be horizontal, between pastures at similar altitudes, or vertical, from foothills to high-altitude grazing areas. It may occur in winter and/or summer (Ruiz & Ruiz, 1986). Transhumance have played a significant role in the origin and maintenance of many European cultural landscapes, especially those in the mountains (Bunce et al., 2004).