A Traditional Swiss Sheep Drive in a Changing World

Sean Gallup, a photographer with Getty Images, recently traveled with shepherds in Switzerland during their annual “Schäful” sheep drive in high alpine meadows, near the Oberaletsch and Grosser Aletsch glaciers. During the drive, shepherds and sheepherders gather scattered sheep and lead them to the village of Belalp, where their owners take them back. The drive is one of many alpine traditions supported, in part, by the Swiss government. Gallup writes: “Climate change, while it has led to increased amounts of grass for grazing, is also creating complications for the shepherds. The Oberaletsch glacier that once provided an easy means of crossing a gorge along the route has shrunk and receded, leading local authorities to blast a path into the rockface and build a suspension bridge.” Changing weather patterns have also shifted the summer grazing season, and have affected the altitudes where edible plants can be found.

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