Design and implementation of a GNSS/GIS for monitoring transhumant flocks in Lombardy

The consistency of transhumant flocks in Lombardy (Northern Italy) amounts to 60,000 sheep, belonging to about 150 sheepherders. The flocks transhumance remained until today even though, over the centuries, the breeding purposes deeply changed. Nowadays the sheep, so far considered as user of pasture resources, assume a new role of “vegetation controller” and “land resource manager” contributing to improve the biodiversity. Lombardy recently approved (2013) a project to enhance the transhumance and in cooperation with ERSAF developed a plan to maintain and improve this important livestock reality. In this context, our research group designed and developed a system for the flocks territorial monitoring by studying their paths and land utilization.