The Kedarnath Valley of Garhwal Himalaya is very rich in livestock resources. Livestock in the Kedarnath Valley has been reared basically for the production of milk and their related products that can supplement the family income and sustain agriculture. A total of 17 villages were surveyed during the study period to assess the potential use of livestock resources in the Kedarnath Valley. The information was collected through various methods that include questionnaire, direct interaction with the villagers, personal interviews and group discussion. A total 3,903 livestock were documented in 410 households during the study. Livestock resources were represented by cows (17 %), bullocks (12%), buffalos (8%), sheep and goats (56%), horses and mules (7%) in the study area. An average livestock holding was highest in the Barasu village (107.2±76.74), followed by Trijuginarayan (66.6±49.17), Ransi (64±58.60), Ukhimath (59.4±64.13), Tausi (57.4±66.64), Gaundar (53.4±53.66), Narayankoti (53±59.79), Sari (52±74.44), Chandrapuri (45.2±43.39), Kabiltha (45±48.18), Gaurikund (39.8± 46.15), Kalimath (39.2±41.1), Karokhi (35.75±25.88), Tarsali (32.5±24.11), Bhiri (23±12.39), Guptakashi (19.75±10.50) and Sersi (12±6.71). The current study describes and assesses the current status of livestock population, livestock production, source of income from livestock and status of availability of fodder in the forest.

Keywords: Garhwal Himalaya, households, Kedarnath Valley, livestock resources, source of income