Social herds

The use of social herds is essential to natural grazing. Social herds have a natural age structure and an equal ratio of male to female animals. In social herds, older (often female) animals take the lead. Due to their age and experience, they know where to rest, where to drink, which plants to eat and which to avoid. They guide their herd to the right places to survive during times of scarcity. Their knowledge is passed down from generation to generation.

The presence of multiple adult male animals creates the necessary dynamic. Bulls try to impress each other by digging so-called ‘bull pits’. These open, sandy areas provide space for various pioneer plant species and heat-loving insects. Fighting stallions toss and turn grassy areas, creating new germination spots for trees, shrubs or herbs.

Social structure varies from species to species. For example, semi-wild cattle and European bison live in so-called ‘matriarchal herds’: groups composed of related female animals and their offspring. When their offspring reaches adulthood, only the males leave the herd, in search of their own territory. Horses and water buffalo form ‘harems’, consisting of a lead stallion and a group of mares. Both young mares and stallions are expelled when they become sexually mature. Young mares eventually join another harem, while young stallions spend several years in a bachelor group, hoping to eventually lead their own harem. Many never succeed.

In managing herds of large grazers, social structure is taken into account as much as possible. If needed, we preferably move complete matriarchal herds or harems. When (individual) animals need to be removed, this is preferably timed at the very same moment they would naturally leave their birth herd.