Justice in coexistence: Pastoralism and large carnivores on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

The conflict between livestock husbandry and large carnivore conservation presents significant challenges in grassland ecosystems worldwide. Achieving sustainable coexistence among herders, livestock and large carnivores requires reconciling diverse perspectives and interests through equitable, inclusive and fair processes that address both human–wildlife and human–human relationships. Despite its importance, the role of local pastoral practices in shaping environmental justice within coexistence dynamics remains underexplored. We examined fine-scale coexistence within a 65 km2 valley on the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, home to 14 households, over 1500 livestock and predators such as snow leopards and grey wolves. Using participatory mapping, we delineated the boundaries of seasonal pastures for valley households. Ethnographic fieldwork, including participant observation and interviews, provided insights into historical and contemporary grassland use and livestock herding practices. In addition, we documented livestock depredation incidents and used MaxEnt modelling to map the spatiotemporal patterns of depredation risk zones. Between 2019 and 2021, we recorded 165 livestock depredation incidents, with a higher frequency observed during the cold season. Depredation risk varied by season and group: During the warm season, group A grazed at lower elevations near the valley entrance and experienced higher depredation risk, while during the cold season, group B occupied more accessible pastures but faced higher depredation risk. Synthesis and applications. Local pastoral practices contribute to distributive justice by fostering equitable sharing of depredation risks among herding groups. These practices are characterised by the fair allocation of pastures through local decision-making processes that carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different grazing areas, as well as by the spatiotemporal mobility of seasonal livestock grazing across heterogeneous landscapes. A justice-focused approach to coexistence underscores the need to consider how socioecological structures interact with the agency of humans and nonhumans to shape coexistence. Integrating environmental justice into conservation efforts offers a pathway toward more ethical and sustainable coexistence. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.