Application of GIS in the study examining the utilization of natural vegetation as forage material, during a traditional transhumance route: The case of a route from the highlands of SW Macedonia to the lowlands of Thessaly, Greece

Abstract Transhumance is an animal husbandry system based on the seasonal relocation of herds with the purpose of ensuring access to food across the seasons. In Greece, seasonal relocation of herds and people was taking place along particular routes that meet certain conditions pertaining to the convenience and safety of people and animals on route. Nowadays, this traditional type of relocation is no longer so prevalent and whilst its cultural character has been investigated and documented, there still remains the question whether nowadays it can sustain the stockbreeders and their herd in their relocation. To answer this question, this paper tracks the movement of a herd in the geographical space and correlates its progression with the natural energy (vegetation) contained therein. GIS (Geographic Information System), orthophotographs, observations and narrative interviews are used for the collection and verification of data. Data-analysis based on simple formulas of range science with the objective of calculating the natural energy available along the route (i.e. forage material) has been carried out, and conclusions are reached regarding the ability of the route to sustain herders and their flocks in their seasonal movement. The paper aims at showcasing the traditional seasonal relocation practice (transhumance) not as a historic and (quite possibly) outdated (‘archaic’) method but as part of a modern and efficient husbandry system that utilizes another green source of energy with many benefits for the stockbreeders, the herd and the environment.