Migration pattern of Desi sheep of Gujarat – a note

Abstract

 The study was conducted to understand the migration pattern of the local sheep of Gujarat commonly known as 
Desi or Patanwadi sheep. It was observed that the locks of sheep are truly migratory and follow a shuttling 
pattern of migration depending on the availability of the feed resources and rainfall. Detailed survey and 
tracking of migratory locks in Surendranagar district revealed that, Sayla, Muli and Chotila blocks (taluqua) 
harbours a number of villages where Bharwad or Rebari communities are mostly associated with migratory 
sheep husbandry practices. The sheep shifts from Saurashtra, Kutch and Bhuj region post Diwali to Ahmedabad 
and surrounding region and at the onset of monsoon again return to the dry region of Saurashtra, Kutch and 
Bhuj to avoid excess rainfall and to secure grazing resources. Geographical condition, soil make up, rainfall 
pattern, etc. play a signi icant role in deciding the migratory route for nomads