Recent Changes in Mountain Shepherding in the Pyrenees: From the Preservation of Traditional Knowledge to the Adoption of New Technologies

Mountain pastoralism in the Pyrenees has undergone profound transformations in recent decades, driven by socio-economic change, rural depopulation, and the adoption of new technologies. This study examines the evolution of shepherding practices in the Jacetania region of the Western Spanish Pyrenees, with a focus on the interplay between technological innovation and the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), which includes a detailed understanding of pasture dynamics, animal behavior, and environmental conditions that guide grazing management. Drawing on interviews with experienced shepherds, and participant observation, we compared historical management of the Collarada mountain pasture—previously under continuous human supervision—with its current use under free-grazing conditions monitored via GPS. The results show a shift from continuous human oversight to technology-assisted management, with reduced labor demands, while traditional ecological knowledge remains essential for effective grazing decisions and adaptation to environmental conditions. We argue that combining modern technologies with the experiential knowledge of pastoralists offers the best pathway toward sustaining both the ecological integrity of high-altitude landscapes and the cultural continuity of pastoral traditions. These findings have the potential to generate broader impacts beyond the study area, contributing to improved ecosystem management, supporting rural livelihoods, and informing policy frameworks aimed at sustaining mountain pastoral systems.