The distribution of herding points across Himachal Pradesh reveals distinct patterns in the scale and spread of sheep-goat and buffalo herding communities. Two points of note: First, there are many more sheep herding households (Gaddi, Kanet, Kinnaura) in Himachal Pradesh than buffalo herding Gujjar households. Second, sheep herders access pastures at much higher elevation than the Gujjars, a reflection of the fact that sheep (and goats) are able to navigate more tricky terrain, including the crossing of passes. Gujjars stay on the southern slopes of the Dhauladhar or Pir Panjal mountains in summer, while shepherds tend to cross at least one pass in seeking to access the higher pastures to the north of these mountain ranges.
Note: Click the Goat and Sheep and Buffalo buttons on the map to compare the distribution of grazing locations used by each group across the state. Use the Layers panel to toggle the elevation layer and explore how grazing locations relate to the state's terrain.