Final answer:
Herders in Central Asia practiced transhumance to move their livestock from mountains to lower plains in winter for better grazing conditions and to ensure their animals' survival in harsh climatic conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Herders in Central Asia moved their livestock from the mountains to the lower plains in the winter as part of a transhumance strategy.
This pattern of pastoralism allowed them to cope with changing seasonal conditions, ensuring that their herds could graze and survive during harsh winters. In the winter, mountains are often extremely cold and covered in snow, making grazing impossible.
Therefore, herders would move to the lower plains where temperatures are milder and grass may still be available. This migratory practice is crucial for maintaining the health of their livestock and the herders' livelihoods.