Spring-summer transhumance and transterminance, both implying movement of flocks to high pastures, were defined and dealt with in a previous post published on 17 May 2019.
With winter approaching, herds are brought down from the highlands, since adverse weather hamper the stay. And as the vegetative growth of grass stops or slows down due to cold winter temperatures, and there is not enough pasture in the lower valleys, herds are moved towards coastal areas, where milder temperatures prevail, or to warmer innermost regions of the country, such as the Royal Bardenas, frequented by most Pyrenean flocks, or even as far as Ebro Valley. (more…)
Transhumance is the practice of moving livestock, mainly sheep, from one grazing ground to another in a seasonal cycle, typically to highlands in summer and lowlands in winter. And for good reason, because pasture and forage resources in certain geographical areas do not always match livestock needs throughout the year. Long-distance livestock routes are commonly known as cañadas, or altxonbideak in Lower Navarre and Zuberoa, whereas ardibideak, or simply bideak, are minor paths and tracks used to access the mountain from lower altitudes. (more…)