Couserans

A group of cows is standing on a meadow with mountains in the background.

Couserans

Case Studies | France

A map of France, showing the study area in the south.

Introduction

Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, the Department of Ariège borders the Spanish frontier. Its high peaks, rising to nearly 3,000 metres in some places, form landscapes shaped by intertwined natural and human dynamics. The Couserans Massif, in particular, as a part of the Pyrenees Regional Natural Park in Ariège, is a cradle of Pyrenean pastoralism. This is evident in the practice of transhumance, the seasonal movement of sheep and cattle herds between fixed summer and winter pastures, which, despite several transformations, has continued to shape the landscape for centuries. At the same time, the massif hosts a large part of the French brown bear population, following population reinforcement efforts after the species had been almost absent for several decades.

A group of cattle is laying on a mountain pasture.

OVERVIEW

Municipalities

Saint-Lary, Augirein, Antras, Sentein, Bonac-Irazein, Arrien-en-Bethmale, Bethmale, Alos, Sentenac-d’Oust, Seix, Couflens, Ustou, Aulus-les-Bains and, Le Port.

Geographical size

The Couserans covers an area of 1,639 km², of which around 400 km² is made up of mountain municipalities.

Human population

The Couserans is home to 30,880 inhabitants, including around 2,000 in the mountain municipalities.

Number of livestock farmers

473 farms practice transhumance in Ariège, about half of them in the Couserans.

Livestock farming systems

Extensive livestock farming, mainly of sheep and beef cattle, is strongly represented by communal herds, which are formed by gathering animals from multiple farmers for seasonal transhumance.

Large carnivore species

The only French population of brown bears is present in the area. This population is shared with Spain.

Bear population

More than one hundred bears are present in the Pyrenees Mountain range. In 2022, 40 different bears were detected in Couserans.

SOCIOECONOMIC CONTEXT

The Couserans is part of the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees, which was established in 2009. Its mountainous landscape, characterised by its unique fauna and flora, its iconic peaks, such as Mont Valier, and its rich history, attract numerous visitors. The area is also crossed by the Grande Randonnée 10, a long-distance hiking trail that spans the entire Pyrenean chain.

With a human population density of around 19 inhabitants per km², the region is now far less populated than in the past, following a pronounced rural exodus and strong deindustrialisation throughout the 20th century. The population is ageing, and the local labour market is limited. This drives younger generations to migrate towards urban centres, such as Toulouse, which lies less than 100 kilometres from the Couserans.

Nevertheless, several traditions persist, such as transhumance and the associated pastoral practices. Local livestock breeds have been preserved, reflecting the longevity of agro-pastoral heritage.

Mountainous landscape of one of the approximately twenty summer pastures in the Couserans. A small flock of sheep is seen on a mountain pasture.

A cute livestock guarding dog is sitting in the middle of a flock of grazing sheep.

FARMING CONTEXT

In the Couserans region, livestock farming is extensive and focused on meat production. Local breeds are favoured, including Tarasconnaise sheep, Castillonnais horses and sheep, Gasconne des Pyrénées cattle, and Mérens horses. Other breeds more common across France, such as Charolais cows and Comtois horses, are also widespread. Among the various breeds of livestock guarding dogs, the local Pyrenean Mountain Dog (Patou) breed is widely found.

Mountain transhumance is based on short-distance movements. Farms are often family-run and may focus on a single breed or mixed breeding. During the summer season, many herders gather their livestock to graze in high-altitude areas, following the seasonal vegetation cycle. Flocks typically consist of 700 - 2000 sheep guarded by hired shepherds, or around 50 cows/equids.

Main Challenges:

Harsh mountain environment for both animals and humans.
Coexistence between pastoralism and recreational activities in the mountains can be challenging.
Limited Fodder resources in the valley, which encourages transhumance, but it can be difficult for new herders to find suitable summer pastures.
The grouping of herds increases health risks for animals and the risk of conflict within pastoral groups.
Severe epidemics such as bluetongue disease in 2024.
Aging of the agricultural population and division between rural and urban areas.
Heavy dependence of farms on the CAP.
The return of bears after several decades of absence has completely disrupted pastoral practices.

LOCAL CONFLICT ASSOCIATED WITH LARGE CARNIVORES

Number of attacks:

In 2024, there were 369 attacks on livestock across the entire Pyrenees in which bear responsibility could not be ruled out. This figure has remained relatively stable since 2017, after having increased significantly since 2006.

When livestock carcasses are found, state agents verify if a bear caused the death. Farmers who have implemented at least two herd protection measures (e.g., guarding dogs, shepherds or fencing) are entitled to compensation as set by prefectural decree.
Attacks mainly concern sheep, and more rarely, cattle, beehives and horses.
Most attacks occur during summer grazing season, when high-altitude pastures overlap with the bear range, whilst bears are much less active in winter.
Official figures may underestimate actual attacks, as some sheep carcasses in the mountains are never recovered.
Predation remains random and unpredictable at herd level, making it extremely difficult for farmers to anticipate attacks and adapt their practices.
Due to the steep and rugged terrain, bear attacks can trigger a stampede, causing the loss of several dozen sheep at once.

A white livestock guarding dog is looking at a mountainous landscape and his flock of sheep.

A large flock of sheep is walking through a mountainous landscape. Two cabins are seen in the background.

Social conflict:

The social conflict emerged as soon as the first brown bears from Slovenia were reintroduced in 1996. The conflict was marked by strong local opposition, with numerous demonstrations, press articles, posters in public spaces, graffiti, etc. Resistance was expressed mainly by the pastoral community, but also by hunting and tourism stakeholders.

Local populations denounce a lack of consultation and dialogue prior to the bear population reinforcement.
The adaptation of pastoralism to the presence of bears entails an increased workload, considerable anxiety, and even transforms landscapes (construction of shelters, abandonment of summer pastures, fences, etc.).
In the Pyrenees, several bears have died at the hands of humans, killed by firearms or poisoned.
The social conflict is further exacerbated by the potential return of wolves to the area.

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