This publication is based on a series of case studies carried out by a number of authors, who are acknowledged in the text. The editors are also very indebted to many of these authors for assistance, advice and companionship given during field trips, often in remote areas and under difficult conditions. The participation of many of them in a number of meetings of the Temperate Asia Pasture and Fodder Working Group, with enlightening discussion both of the transhumant study methodologies and the case study results, is also appreciated. The country coordinators of the Working Group were deeply involved in the design of the Himalayan case studies and formulated the questionnaire that was the basis for much of the field work. Particular thanks are due to Dr Panjab Singh, who did so much to found the Group and initiate the Himalayan studies. Thanks are also due to John Morrison for his contribution in setting up and advising the Group, from the earlier UNDP-funded regional project, through to the fourth meeting, held in Peshawar in June 2000.
Thanks are due to Anthony Fitzherbert for information on Kyrgyzstan; to Olaf Thieme for assistance with Afghanistan; and to the authors (A. Karagoz, B. Misri, D. Pariyar, E. Kosayev, Hu Zizhi, Zhang Degang, Kinzang Wangdi, M. Al Jaloudy, M. Makhmudovich, and R. Tumanian) of a number of Country Pasture/Forage Resource Profiles on the FAO Grassland Group Website, from which information has been drawn (see www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/pasture/forage.htm).
Photographs, unless otherwise acknowledged, are by the editors. Maps were prepared by Christopher Aurich, and many of the sketch maps were re-drawn by Lucie Herzigova. The cover was designed by Pietro Bartoleschi and Etra Studio Associato.
Final editing for consistency of language and style and preparation for publication was by Thorgeir Lawrence.
