Short answer. Transhumance—the seasonal movement of livestock between winter valley pastures and summer alpine meadows—has shaped the botanical landscape of the Vjosa basin for millennia. Flocks grazing subalpine grasslands above 1,500m disperse seeds of wild clover, thyme, and mountain savory while keeping competing scrub from overrunning wild Sideritis colonies. This symbiotic agro-pastoral ecosystem underpins both regional botanical diversity and artisanal dairy traditions.
The Seasonal Grazing Calendar
In late May, as temperatures in the lower Vjosa plains climb, pastoralist families herd flocks of indigenous sheep (Ruda and Bardhoka breeds) along ancient stone trails into the high cirques of Mount Nemërçka and Trebeshinë.
The livestock feed exclusively on rich alpine grasses, wild mountain clover (*Trifolium*), and aromatic Lamiaceae herbs until October snows prompt the downward descent.
Pastoral Impact on Wild Sideritis and Herb Colonies
Moderate rotational grazing creates open, sun-drenched limestone scree environments where *Sideritis scardica* thrives. By grazing broadleaf competitor shrubs without consuming the bitter, resinous mountain tea crowns, sheep inadvertently protect wild herb patches.
Traditional pastoralists also act as guardians of high springs and scree fields, reporting unauthorized over-harvesting to regional park authorities.
Artisanal Dairy and Highland Cheeses
The wild aromatic diet of highland herds produces milk dense in conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and herbal terpenes, cured into sharp aged cheeses (*djathë i bardhë* and *kaçkavall*) inside naturally refrigerated stone *stane*. Explore our Mountain Gift Sets.
- Ecosystem Co-Evolution: Millennia of low-intensity pastoral grazing maintain open subalpine karst.
- Botanical Diversity: Grazing prevents encroaching scrub from choking wild Sideritis colonies.
- Herbal Terpenes in Dairy: Alpine clover and wild thyme impart signature flavors to local cheeses.
- Cultural Stewardship: Highland shepherds safeguard remote mountain passes and trail access.
