TheImprovement ofTropical and Subtropical Rangelands

2.8 IMPROVEMENT OF TROPIOAL AND SUBTROPIOAL RANGELANDS
TABLE 3-8 ReIia'anc. of AnimalI ~ Thin'. Bunpr. and r-,iIu.
Anlmal
Maximum D.,.. Wl'bou' W.'er· Maximum D.,.. Maximum
Wl'bou' rood 'an/d.y
Cool S.aeon Bo' S.aeon Ho' Seaeon
Camel go
Cow S
(Calva) 1
Go.' 111
Sbeep SO
6-7
6·7
2
2
1
2 2
1-2 2
80
20
10
20
SO
·D.penda on quall'y of pwure.
month at a time. AJJ this water dries up, usually between January
and February, groups move toward more permanent sources, such
as bore-holes or the traditional hand-dug wells in beds of now-dry
lakes. AJJ pasture is consumed in all directions around these wells,
the camps move gradually outward, spending no more than a week
in one spot, until the distance between water and pasture is the
limit that mature cows and caprines can travel (table 3-8). At this
point, OCcurring at the height of the dry season when it is tied to
one water source, the camp is positioned between the well and the
pasture and, again, remains immobile for several weeks. The exact
placement of the camp itself at this and all other times is determined
by the water requirements of the young animals that remain inside
the camps, as well as by those of the people themselves. Lambs,
kids, and humans do not require great quantities of water (sufficient
amounts can be carried in leather water bags for two days' supply),
but since calves drink more, they must be taken directly to the water
source every day. The extent of their daily travel depends on age and
physical condition, but is unlikely to exceed 10 km each way. It can
be postulated, then, that it is the calves that determine the exact
distance of the camp from water.
On the other hand, the crucial decision of when to move appears
to depend on the food needs of mature animals, specifically those
that are lactating. They must return to the camp each evening to
be milked and to feed their young, and therefore cannot travel more
than 20 km (for cows) in search of pasture. To ensure their return,
herders send the mothers in one direction and their young in another,
on the theory that in the evening both will converge on the camp-­
the young being hungry and the females seeking relief; if, however,