Pastoralism is an essential element of the cultural and heritage identity of Queyras, which designates both a valley in the Hautes-Alpes department and the eponymous regional nature park. This territory of approximately 148,260 acres (60,000 ha) traditionally hosts 40,000 ewes and sheep from all over the South Region who migrate to its mountain pastures. More than half come from the Bouches-du-Rhône, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Var and Vaucluse departments. Since the early 2000s and the return of the wolf to the region, support measures for the pastoral economy have been implemented by the Queyras Regional Nature Park to inform and support the shepherds and breeders.