Abby Lunstrum
lunstrum@u.washington.edu

Major

Biology (ecology, evolution, and conservation biology)
Minor in International Studies

Research summary

I am researching the growth of the yak products market and its effects on yak-herding communities, using a small village in southern Sichuan as a case study. China, with 13 million yaks and yak-cow hybrids, is by far the largest producer of yak products worldwide. As the country continues to implement economic reforms and open up to international trade, the demand for yak products, namely meat and butter, has grown steadily both in China and abroad. For example, Chinese companies now export yak meat to Europe. Both American and European firms plan to increase their investments in the yak products industry. From my research thus far, it appears that as a result of this growing market, more people previously not involved in yak herding, a teacher for example, are investing in yaks and yak-herders are increasing their herd sizes.

I am interested in this increased participation in yak-herding in rural areas, as well as in the ecological effects of increased grazing pressure from larger herds. To investigate these issues, I am conducting a comprehensive series of interviews of the herders on Zala Mountain in southern Sichuan province. I will also interview representatives of Sichuanese yak meat processing factories. This spring, in order to assess the consequences of larger herd sizes, I plan to live and work with herders on Zala Mountain for several days, during which time I will sample the plant communities in heavily grazed areas. (Jan 2006)

Awards

International Programs and Exchanges Scholarship