Factors affecting herd structure in a mixed camelid–sheep pastoral system in the arid Puna of Bolivia

A survey was conducted to identify factors affecting the proportion of sheep and camelids within family herds in the arid western cordillera of Bolivia. A close relationship was detected between herd structure on the one hand, and the botanical characteristics of the dominant grazing area and total size of the farm on the other. This is related to the ecophysiological characteristics of animals. Mixed herds of camelids and sheep allow better use of the ecological diversity of rangelands. Due to differential fitness, the choice of species can also be linked with the overall number of animals which can be bred on the householdʹs rangelands. Other factors such as historical transformations of communities, economic opportunities and socio-cultural aspects also influence herd structure.