Himalayan Herders: The Significance of Latitudinality Essay -- Cultura

Himalayan Herders: The Significance of Latitudinality Melvyn Goldstein and Donald Messerschmidt, the authors of "The Significance of Latitudinality in Himalayan Mountain Ecosystems" argues that the altitude oriented "mixed mountain agriculture" model where mountain people move to higher altitudes in the summer and lower ones in the summer does not accurately reflect many areas of the Himalayans (Goldstein and Messerschmidt, 117). Instead, latitudinality lies at the core of cultural adaptation to the high altitude mountain ecosystem for many native Nepalese (Goldstein and Messerschmidt, 126). Of the three studied Nepalese regions (Limi, Ghaisu and Bhot Khola), latitudinal movement is just as important and common as latitudinal movements for the local inhabitants. The authors’ illustrate the point that in some Himalayan areas, the people do not depend on altitude variation, but use latitudinal (north-south) habitats to create "habitat and production zones" (Goldstein et. al, 120). In the Mountainous areas of Limi, Ghaisu and Bhot Khola, even the sons of snow (Yaks) will not survive the winter snow. To escape the snow, the people and their herds migrate only 50 to 75 miles south to pasture-land not covered by snow. This 50 to 75 mile trek is strictly latitudinal as they do not descend in elevation. These southern wintering grounds provide more grasses for grazing because of a more moderate climate. This latitudinal adjustment is central to the success of pastoralism. Animal husbandry and agriculture are also important activities in the Limi, Ghaisu, and Bhot Khola regions. For example, agriculture is considered to be the foundation of Limis’ economy. However, because of high altitudes, agriculture cannot be expanded ... ...y and its effects on pastoralism and agriculture. For example, Melemchi herders use different vertical zones throughout the year as grazing land for their animals. The book spurred a few questions of uncertainty about the article. Bishop thoroughly described the recent trend in which Nepalese men sell their herds and for many months abandon their family to try and make cash in an unskilled job in India. This insight makes the reader realize that the few isolated regions studied in Goldstein and Messerschmidt’s article are not typical communities even in the mountainous and rural country of Nepal. Works Cited Bishop, Naomi. Himalayan Herders. Texas, Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1998. Goldstein, Melvyn and Donald Messerschmidt. "The Significance of Latitudinality in Himalayan Mountain Ecosystems." Human Ecology, Vol. 8. No. 2, 1980:117-133.