Shepherds, flocks, and dogs

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On July 2nd, the South Tyrol Museum of Natural History is organizing a full-day excursion to the Puez alpine pastures above Corvara in Val Badia to learn firsthand about the work of shepherds.

The experienced sheep breeder and shepherd Erich Höchenberger will accompany the group and will explain various aspects of alpine farming during the ascent, teaching participants to “read” the landscape through the eyes of a shepherd.

While the sheep are in the midday enclosure, shepherds Daniel Paratscha and Sandra Hofer will present their work: they will talk about pasture quality, explain the organization of the enclosures (day and night), the materials used, electrification, daily fence inspections, the use of herding dogs, and the work with livestock guardian dogs.

Important topics such as animal health, poisonous plants, unpredictable weather, and early snowfall will also be discussed.

Participants will understand the importance of good socialization and familiarization of livestock guardian dogs. Behavior rules for approaching grazing animals—whether hiking or biking—with or without guardian dogs present will be explained: maintaining distance is always essential.

Regarding the guardian dogs at Puez, their behavior is calm: the animals have been tested and certified by the Austrian Bear-Wolf-Lynx Center. However, at night, the guardian dogs are very active because wolves live in the area.

The event will take place on Wednesday, July 2nd.
The meeting point is at 8:30 AM at the Col Pradat cable car parking lot in Colfosco (Corvara).
The cable car will take participants to 2,030 meters, from where the Puez alpine pastures can be reached in just over an hour via trail 4Aa. The return will be on the same path. Arrival at the cable car valley station is scheduled for 3 PM.

Participation is free of charge.
Register on the South Tyrol Museum of Natural History website

Explanations will be given in German with simultaneous translation into Italian and English.
The excursion is organized within the framework of the European project LIFEstockProtect in cooperation with the Austrian Environmental Umbrella Association.

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