Traditional Conservation of Buffalo Breed by Pastoralists through Maintaining of Grassland Ecosystem, Banni-Kachchh, Gujarat-India

Banni region, situated at 23019’N to 23052’N to 68056’E to70032’E, comprises around 25,00 sq.km area under Bhuj taluka of Kutch district of Gujarat state, is home of Muslim nomadic pastoralists and Meghwal Hindus. Banni is situated in Arid climate, with high temperature in most of time which reached maximum up to 480C -500C during May June. Pastoral community, call themselves Maldhari, in Banni region depends on Banni Grassland for the raring of their livestock mainly Banni Buffalo which registered as 11th buffalo breed of India in 2011. Maldharis even rearing unique Kankarej Cattle for Milk Production and selling bullocks in Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Pastoral life style in Banni, promote pluralistic culture to stay united by respecting traditions of each community. Strong association with animals and nature, made them sensitive to grassland ecosystem therefore, they have been able to developed livestock rearing practices which are more ecologically sustainable. This paper attempts to understand the pastoral life of Maldharis as essential for breeding, marketing and sustainable use of resources particularly commons