Working Group on Pastoralism

The loss and degradation of habitats is one of the key threats to migratory species, many of which are shared between humans and wildlife, including CMS-listed mammals and birds. Several CMS instruments have identified factors related to pastoralism that require particular attention, including overgrazing by livestock, competition between wildlife and livestock for water and pasture, retaliatory killing in response to livestock depredation, disease transmission, and disturbance and predation by herder dogs, all of which require managed interventions to reduce negative impacts on wildlife.

Some migratory species, including birds and mammals that prefer short grass or mixed environments, benefit from extensive pastoral land use. Moreover, preserving rangelands for pastoralism helps prevent their conversion to cropland or other land uses that are less suitable for wildlife. The interactions between pastoralists and wildlife are complex, and addressing them effectively requires the involvement of stakeholders from multiple sectors to develop approaches that promote mutual benefits and peaceful coexistence.

To give advise to the Scientific Council on issues of pastoralism and migratory species, the Working Group on Pastoralism was established at the Seventh Meeting of the Sessional Committee of the Scientific Council (ScC-SC7) held in September 2024. At the ScC-SC8, held in December 2025, the duration of the Working Group was amended to open-ended until the Sessional Committee decides its work is completed, or an alternative arrangement is made.