Journal articles on the topic 'Rangelands'
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1
Foran, B. D. "Sifting the future from the past: a personal assessment of trends impacting the Australian rangelands." Rangeland Journal 29, no. 1 (2007): 3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj07019.
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The fore-sighting exercise undertaken at the Australian Rangeland Society Conference at Port Augusta 10 years ago in 1996 developed four scenarios: ‘economic growth’, ‘best practice’, ‘extra green’ and ‘partial retreat’. These were later collapsed into two broad directions, ‘looking out’ (the economic rewards generated by a full application of free market policies with rangeland enterprises having strong external linkages will result in production and management efficiencies which benefit the Australian economy) and ‘looking in’ (rangeland Australia and its human, economic and ecological resources will be best served by the development and maintenance of strong local communities in each rangeland region). It was anticipated that ‘looking out’ would apply to only a few rangeland regions where pastoral production is highly valued and rangelands are resilient; ‘looking in’ would apply to the majority of the rangelands where other values might outweigh pastoral production in the future and where the rangeland resource is considered less resilient. Given the world’s embrace of economic and trade globalisation, and the dominance in the federal sphere of one coalition government and one prime minister, it seems inevitable that across Australia the last 10 years were dominated by the ‘looking out’ direction, while many marginal rangelands had few options but to ‘look in’. The 1996 discussions failed to appreciate fully the importance in shaping today’s world of singular issues such as terrorism, global climate change, potential disease pandemics, the emergence of China and India and, in an Australian rangelands context, the continuing success of the northern beef industry. In the interim, rangelands science has produced an impressive underpinning of integrative information led both by industry investment and government funding. However, long-term resilience is still not assured in many areas of Australia’s rangelands. It continues to be outpaced by those four horsemen of the (rangelands) apocalypse: the need for growth, periodic droughts, personal gain and introduced organisms. During the next 2 decades the rangelands will be buffeted by many of the same old issues and well as obvious emerging ones. Important human-centric ones will be the tension between European and Aboriginal demographic trends, the increased economic dominance of mining, tourism and defence in the rangelands, and the ‘sponge effect’ of successful towns and particular enterprises. Ecological and bio-physical issues will include carbon trading, energy generation, water catchments, weeds and diseases and agricultural incursions into the northern rangelands. The broad directions of ‘looking out’ and ‘looking in’ still retain some currency for today’s rangeland decision makers but are now embedded in far stronger and shifting currents that are frequently determined by global and national dynamics, rather than local issues. A distinguishing feature of the Australian rangelands is that they are still essentially intact (apart from their fauna) in a world context and may gain future ecological and economic advantage by remaining so. How to retain this status remains one of the great challenges for the next generation of Australian rangelanders.
2
Dika, Galgalo, Degefa Tolossa, and Shiferaw Muleta Eyana. "Rangeland Degradation and Its Impacts Post-1992: Constructing the Perceptions of Boorana Pastoralist, Southern Ethiopia." International Journal of Ecology 2022 (July 9, 2022): 1–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2022/7978744.
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The rangelands of Africa have been subject to substantial changes. The changes in the savanna rangelands ecology were from different points of view. This study constructs the perceptions of Boorana pastoralists on historic changes in rangelands post-1992 based on the Gadaa timelines. The construction of pastoralist perceptions can make an immense contribution to comprehending the rate, trends, indicators, and impacts of rangeland degradation in Boorana rangelands. This study thus points out that pastoralists can better understand and describe rangeland conditions and factors associated with such changes in the Gadaa periods. The study was based on the data collected from 332 pastoralists using a survey questionnaire and qualitative data, and the results were analyzed using descriptions of responses and narrations of cases. The study revealed that the conditions of the Boorana rangelands have been deteriorating over time and rangeland degradation showed unprecedented growth trends, mainly attributed to vegetation, rangeland production, human, environmental, and climate change-related factors. The study also shows that the progressive degradation of rangeland resources has jeopardized rangeland production, livestock productivity, and human well-being in the Boorana rangeland system. The study suggests that the recognition and promotion of indigenous ecological knowledge of pastoralists could sustain the pastoralist community in arid and semiarid rangelands. It is, therefore, imperative to understand pastoralists’ knowledge of rangeland ecology for sustainable management of rangeland resources.
3
Saädi, Slim, and Gustave Gintzburger. "A spatial desertification indicator for Mediterranean arid rangelands: a case study in Algeria." Rangeland Journal 35, no. 1 (2013): 47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj12021.
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Sheep and goat production is the main and sometimes only agricultural activity available to populations living on rangelands in the arid regions around the Mediterranean. Desertification threatens large areas of Mediterranean arid rangelands but remains difficult to describe, quantify and accurately locate for management purposes. A methodology is described which estimates a Spatial Rain-Use Efficiency Index (SRUEI) and its potential use to evaluate rangeland condition at a large scale. It is based on an Aboveground Net Primary Production (AGNPP) map generated from field herbage mass measurements and a rainfall spatial distribution map derived from local elevation–rainfall gradients with the whole resulting from satellite imagery processing and GIS technology. The area of the case study was in the Nâama–Mecheria region located on the High Plateau south of Oran (Algeria). It covers ~215 000 ha, receiving ~200 mm year–1 of winter and spring precipitation. The Nâama–Mecheria SRUEI-derived map clearly shows the degradation gradient declining away from the settlements. The Mecheria AGNPP 2007 map and associated grazing rings indicate that the Mecheria cooperative flocks may ingest 48–57% (Range Use Factor) of the rangeland’s seasonal plant production, which is barely compatible with sustainable rangeland use. When adding the effect of fuel wood collection by local residents and rain-fed arable cropping, the Nâama–Mecheria region is undoubtedly heading towards a slow but certain desertification of its fragile arid rangelands unless correcting measures are implemented. The SRUEI and associated results are powerful tools that allow rangeland conditions to be mapped, and which can be employed in planning and pursuing sustainable management of rangelands in such arid areas.
4
Tuffa, Samuel. "Maintaining Sustainability and Resilience in Rangeland Ecosystems." Research in Ecology 4, no. 2 (June 30, 2022): 51. http://dx.doi.org/10.30564/re.v4i2.4747.
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Rangelands contribute to human well-being worldwide. However, its fragile ecosystems are threatened due to inappropriate management that has been leading to its degradation in African rangelands in general and in Ethiopian rangelands in particular. Rangeland degradation is attributable to both natural and anthropogenic causes. Restoring degraded areas by replanting using native species is one of the most promising sustainable rangeland management tools to fight the degradation in the rangelands and enhance resilience in the face of environmental shocks. Restoration improves vegetation cover and biomass yield and enhances other ecosystem services. Native drought-tolerant species have produced promising rehabilitation outcomes and have been recommended for the restoration of degraded rangeland areas. Replanting using native species remains a viable sustainable management option to enhance resilience in the face of environmental shocks. Therefore, to maintain the sustainability and resilient rangeland ecosystems, comprehensive approaches and strategies suitable for rangelands need to be revitalized, developed, strengthened and promoted.
5
Gusha, J., M. Masocha, and P. H. Mugabe. "Impact of grazing system on rangeland condition and grazing capacity in Zimbabwe." Rangeland Journal 39, no. 3 (2017): 219. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj15130.
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The influence of different land tenure and rangeland management systems on rangeland condition and livestock grazing capacity in African rangelands is not well documented. A rangeland condition assessment was carried out at 15 sites located in the communal grazing system, small-scale commercial grazing system and the large-scale commercial grazing system in Zimbabwe. Rangeland indicators assessed were: floristic composition, herbaceous biomass yield, shrub stem density and grazing capacity. Grass species composition and forage value were analysed using PROC FREQ procedure of SAS 9.3. Fisher’s exact test was performed to test for independence of the grass variables between grazing systems. A one-way ANOVA was used to test for significant differences (P < 0.05) in floristic composition, shrub stem density, herbaceous biomass yield and grazing capacity among the three grazing systems. It was observed that communal rangelands had significantly high levels of woody species, unpalatable wiry grass species, low biomass yield and were dominated by the invading shrub Helichyrsum kraussii compared with the other rangeland management systems. These results suggest that if control measures are not put in place, livestock production may not be feasible in communal rangelands in the near future because of high levels of rangeland deterioration when compared with the commercially managed rangelands. Furthermore, the observed high stem density of unpalatable woody species and the low grazing capacity of communal rangelands affect livestock production, a primary source of livelihood. This warrants a change in rangeland management system in favour of the rest-rotation grazing system, which is beneficial to both livestock and the range.
6
Fargher, J. D., B. M. Howard, D. G. Burnside, and M. H. Andrew. "The economy of Australian rangelands — myth or mystery?" Rangeland Journal 25, no. 2 (2003): 140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj03012.
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Australian rangelands have been perceived as supporting mainly a pastoral economy for more than 150 years. This perception originated from colonial expansion in a frontier economy, with State and Commonwealth institutions established to support rangeland pastoralism. As Australia's economy shifts in focus towards sustainable development within a free and unprotected market, a new economic and social paradigm is needed for the rangelands. This is essential for strengthening regional economies in the rangelands that can survive in a globalised economy, preservation of environmental values in Australian rangelands, development of new land-use opportunities, as well as to facilitate a dignified change for those enterprises that are increasingly marginalised from the mainstream Australian and global economies. This paper explores the significance of rangelands in the Australian economy at national and regional scales, and the significance of grazing in the rangeland economy. It then considers how the grazing industry should be viewed within an alternative economic and social paradigm for rangelands in the 21st century – a paradigm that focuses on regional instead of sectoral economic opportunities and constraints.
7
Dong, Shikui, and Ruth Sherman. "Enhancing the resilience of coupled human and natural systems of alpine rangelands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau." Rangeland Journal 37, no. 1 (2015): i. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj14117.
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This special issue covers a wide range of topics on the protection and sustainable management of alpine rangelands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), including Indigenous knowledge of sustainable rangeland management, science-policy interface for alpine rangeland biodiversity conservation, adaptations of local people to social and environmental changes and policy design for managing coupled human-natural systems of alpine rangelands.
8
Stokes, C. J., R. R. J. McAllister, and A. J. Ash. "Fragmentation of Australian rangelands: processes, benefits and risks of changing patterns of land use." Rangeland Journal 28, no. 2 (2006): 83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj05026.
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Pastoral development of Australian rangelands has been accompanied by fragmentation of land use, which has changed the scale at which humans and livestock access patchily-distributed resources in landscapes. These changes have tended to be targeted towards achieving narrowly defined policy or land management objectives, and have ignored the broader consequences for land use. We describe the processes of rangeland fragmentation, the factors that have driven these changing patterns of land use, and current trends towards enterprise consolidation and intensification, which continue to reshape the way humans and livestock use rangelands. Although there is growing interest in intensified systems of rangeland management, some of the benefits are uncertain, and there are several risks that serve as a caution against overoptimism: (i) intensification involves multiple simultaneous changes to enterprise operations and the benefits and trade offs of each component need to be better understood; (ii) if intensification proceeds without addressing constraints to implementing these management options sustainably then overutilisation and degradation of rangelands is likely to occur; (iii) further fragmentation of rangelands (from increased internal fencing) could compromise potential benefits derived from landscape heterogeneity in connected landscapes. Adaptation by the pastoral industry continues to reshape the use of rangelands. A broad-based approach to changes in land use that incorporates risks together with expected benefits during initial planning decisions would contribute to greater resilience of rangeland enterprises.
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Martin, Tara G., Shane Campbell, and Simone Grounds. "Weeds of Australian rangelands." Rangeland Journal 28, no. 1 (2006): 3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj06017.
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Despite recognition that non-native plant species represent a substantial risk to natural systems, there is currently no compilation of weeds that impact on the biodiversity of the rangelands within Australia. Using published and expert knowledge, this paper presents a list of 622 non-native naturalised species known to occur within the rangelands. Of these, 160 species (26%) are considered a current threat to rangeland biodiversity. Most of these plant species have been deliberately introduced for forage or other commercial use (e.g. nursery trade). Among growth forms, shrubs and perennial grasses comprise over 50% of species that pose the greatest risk to rangeland biodiversity. We identify regions within the rangelands containing both high biodiversity values and a high proportion of weeds and recommend these areas as priorities for weed management. Finally, we examine the resources available for weed detection and identification since detecting weeds in the early stages of invasion is the most cost effective method of reducing further impact.
10
Broersma, K., M. Krzic, D. J. Thompson, and A. A. Bomke. "Soil and vegetation of ungrazed crested wheatgrass and native rangelands." Canadian Journal of Soil Science 80, no. 3 (August 1, 2000): 411–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/s99-082.
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Seeding of introduced forage grasses, such as crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. and A. desertorum (Fisch.) Schult.], can lead to the reduction of species diversity and soil quality. This study evaluated the effects of crested wheatgrass on soil and vegetation relative to native rangeland dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Scribn. & Smith] under ungrazed conditions. Three sites consisting of adjacent ungrazed stands of crested wheatgrass and native vegetation were sampled in June 1997. Total plant cover was 37% on native and 24% on crested wheatgrass rangeland. Species richness was lower for crested wheatgrass than for native rangeland. Quantities of root biomass and most soil properties were similar for the two rangelands. Native rangeland had a more stable soil structure with 1.7 mm mean weight diameter (MWD) and 38% of soil aggregates in the 2–6 mm size fraction compared to 1.4 mm MWD and 28% of soil aggregate in the 2–6 mm size fraction on crested wheatgrass rangeland. Greater soil penetration resistance was observed at the 6 and 7.5 cm depths for crested wheatgrass rangeland. Crested wheatgrass did not invade adjacent native rangelands and only a slight reduction in soil quality was observed on crested wheatgrass rangelands. Key words: Crested wheatgrass, soil C, soil N, penetration resistance, aggregate stability, species diversity
11
Mansoor, Muhammad, Muhammad Jamil, Fawad Anwar, Aftab Ahmed Awan, and Sher Muhammad. "Review A Review on Rangeland Management in Pakistan, Bottlenecks and Recommendations." Biological Sciences - PJSIR 61, no. 2 (August 28, 2018): 115–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.52763/pjsir.biol.sci.61.2.2018.115.120.
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Role of rangelands in the livelihoods improvement of rural communes. is pivotal, through animal rearing, obtaining versatile products and services. Rangelands play key role in maintenance of agro- ecosystem and preservation of biodiversity in the country by improving infiltration rate, leading thereby a sustainable water flow in the down streams and reducing soil erosion. However, due to increased population pressure there is analogous increase in the demand for food, forage and other resources. In addition rangelands provide wildlife and fish habitat and recreation spots. Keeping in view the current global climate change scenario the government has given high priority to rangelands management, hence the concentration of the politicians and policy makers is to focus on the sustainable rangeland development and management. The article deals first with the importance of range management, then discusses rangelands problems of Pakistan, causes of degradation of rangelands, human factors contributing to range degradation and finally recommendations are discussed.
12
Arjjumend, Hasrat. "ENDANGERED NOMADIC PASTORALISM: A NEED FOR RESTRUCTURING THE POLICY PARADIGM OF RANGELAND COMMONS." Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development, no. 8(27) (2020): 56–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.37100/2616-7689/2020/8(27)/8.
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Fading fast all over the world, nomadic people have faced biases concerning their lifestyles and their symbiosis with rangelands. The nomadic grazing, which is helpful to biodiversity, not detrimental, in rangeland commons is perceived and advocated by deep ecologists, conservation administrators and policy makers as a threat to conservation of ecosystems. Consequently, both nomadic pastoralists and rangeland ecosystems have suffered a grim fate. On the contrary, the subsistence pastoralism is an established sustainable strategy of livelihood and ecosystem conservation in the rangelands. Unfortunately, some of the most nutritive foods and other sustainable products of nomadic pastoralists have not desirably been priced in modern markets. With the demonstrated cases exhibiting the nomadic pastoralists, such as Hutsul shepherd communities of Ukraine, as most sustainable societies on planet Earth, there is urgent need for restructuring the popular paradigm and State policies on rangeland commons. In isolation of nomadic people, the rangelands cannot truly be conserved or protected. To begin with, the resilience of nomadic pastoralists to the changing environments and their (unique) rangeland management can first be pondered. Accordingly, the policy and legal frameworks of States need to be reoriented and revised.
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Arjjumend, Hasrat. "Rangelands and Pastoralism in Globalized Economies: Policy Paralysis and Legal Requisites." Pastures & Pastoralism 02 (May 20, 2024): 34–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.33002/pp0203.
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Growing quest for globalization and expanding economies have resulted into fragmentation, enclosure, grabbing, militarization and devastation of rangelands. Grasslands – covering 70% of the global agricultural area – are the basis for livestock production. In most of the countries, governments have little recognition of communal tenures of agro-pastoralists. Consequently, both pastoralists and rangeland ecosystems have suffered a grim fate. On the contrary, the subsistence pastoralism is an established sustainable strategy of livelihood and ecosystem conservation in the rangelands. Unfortunately, some of the most nutritive foods and other sustainable products of nomadic pastoralists have not desirably been priced in modern markets. With the demonstrated cases exhibiting the nomadic pastoralists, such as Hutsul shepherd communities of Ukraine, as most sustainable societies on planet Earth, there is urgent need for reshaping the popular paradigm and State policies on rangeland commons. In isolation of pastoralist people, the rangelands cannot truly be conserved or protected. To begin with, the resilience of pastoralists to the changing environments and their (unique) rangeland management can first be pondered. Accordingly, the policy and legal frameworks of States need to be reoriented and revised. In particular, Eurasian countries should review their laws and policies on rangeland sustainability and pastoral grazing.
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Kara, A., U. Şimşek, S. Kadıoğlu, S. E. Dumlu, Ş. Çakal, M. Uzun, E. Aksakal, and M. M. Özgöz. "Quantifying the financial losses of rangeland degradation due to reduced milk yield in the rangelands of Erzurum Province in Turkey." Rangeland Journal 37, no. 5 (2015): 459. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj15020.
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This study estimated the financial losses associated with lower milk yields in the relatively poor rangeland conditions of the Erzurum Province in Turkey and the factors contributing to the lower milk yields associated with the state of the rangelands, the type of grazing livestock and the demographics of the farmers. The study was conducted in 11 villages in Erzurum Province in 2006 and 2007. The following variables were considered in the study: year, number of milking days in grazing season, age and level of education of the farmers, cattle breed, supplementary feeding during the grazing period, lactation number of the cows, rangeland condition, stocking rate of the rangelands, altitude, the proportion of small ruminants in the herd and the percentage of bare ground of the rangelands. According to the least-squares regression analysis, altitude, stocking rate, the number of milking days in the grazing season and the percentage of bare ground had negative effects on milk yield, whereas all other factors significantly increased milk yield. It was estimated that a 10% deterioration in rangeland condition would result in a reduction in daily milk yield of 1.23 kg per cow, 62 kg ha–1 of rangelands and 1255 kg per farm in a 120-day grazing period. It was also found that the use of concentrate supplements during the grazing season was not cost-effective.
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Kluth, Janessa, Samuel Wyffels, Jed Eberly, Lance Vermeire, Clayton Marlow, and Timothy DelCurto. "The Interaction of Wildfire with Post-Fire Herbivory on Arid and Semi-Arid U.S. Rangelands: A Review." Grasses 3, no. 3 (July 22, 2024): 143–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030010.
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In the United States, rangelands comprise 30% of the total land cover and serve as a valuable resource for livestock, wildlife, water, and recreation. Rangelands vary in climate and are often subject to disturbances like drought and wildfire. Historic wildfire trends have indicated an increase in wildfire size and frequency, raising societal and ecological concerns about the management of these lands, both pre- and post-wildfire. While there has been investigation into the effects of grazing prior to a wildfire on fire severity and plant mortality, there is limited research related to grazing post-wildfire even though current management paradigms suggest deferring grazing rangeland for two years after a wildfire to avoid additional stress on native plant species. Based on the diversity found across rangeland ecotypes and history with wildfire, the two-year deferment recommendation may need to be reconsidered for some ecosystems. Species found in perennial bunchgrass rangelands like Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass) and Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue) may be less susceptible to post-fire grazing than initially thought, necessitating the need for research into different rangeland ecosystems.
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Mapfumo, L., V. Muchenje, J. F. Mupangwa, M. M. Scholtz, and S. Washaya. "Dynamics and influence of environmental components on greenhouse gas emissions in sub-Saharan African rangelands: a review." Animal Production Science 61, no. 8 (2021): 721. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an20564.
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Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries consist of ~200 million livestock owners who utilise marginal rangelands as a feed resource base for their animals. These rangelands offer various resources to the communities and are in-turn vulnerable to climate change related challenges. Currently, information on greenhouse gases (GHG) emission from SSA rangelands is heavily dependent on the generic values generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier I trajectories on various aspects of the environment. There is, therefore, a need to identify research gaps between the dynamics and influences of environmental components, highlight their magnitude and potential aggregate contribution towards GHG emission in an SSA context. Rangeland sustainability, weather patterns, soils, plant biodiversity, and current methods used to measure GHG emission from rangelands are influenced by institutional, community, and national policy frameworks. Various intertwined environmental components exist within the SSA rangeland ecosystems and research has not extensively covered such interactions. It is crucial to generate a database that includes information of in-situ trajectories on GHG emission from soil properties, vegetation image maps using remote sensing and geographic information system, plant biodiversity indices, climatology, and animal husbandry aspects.
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Taylor, John A., Paul A. Erkelenz, and Amber C. Churchill. "Building human capacity, capability and future leaders for Australia’s rangelands." Rangeland Journal 42, no. 5 (2020): 277. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj20052.
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Maintaining a skilled, knowledgeable and adaptable workforce in Australian rangeland enterprises and research, development and extension/adoption (RD&E/A) organisations is a varied and challenging task, compounded by trends of sustained losses of human capacity through senior retirements and short-term appointments over the last decade. Concerns for how to fill these gaps while gaining the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career and leadership roles were raised by students and young professionals in the World Cafe session and throughout Early Career workshops and activities at the 2019 Biennial Conference of the Australian Rangeland Society (ARS). This paper responds to these expressed information needs through drawing on literature, experiences shared by session participants, and existing ARS members currently working in the rangelands in diverse roles to provide insights into two main areas: (i) skills and knowledge for personal development and future success in the rangelands across three broad classes of occupation/careers (i.e. advisors, researchers, and producers), and (ii) skills and knowledge that will be expected of future leaders in the rangelands. We outline a variety of options for professional development in the early stage(s) of a career working on aspects of sustainable production systems and pathways to leadership throughout a career in the rangelands. We note the apparent lack of formal rangeland-specific education in Australia, and suggest that this is a major impediment to efforts to build skills and knowledge to ensure the viability of the livelihoods and the integrity of our rangelands. Finally, we believe that the ARS has the potential to play a more central role in inspiring interest and passion for the rangelands, in providing current information on (i) range science and management-relevant education and training opportunities in Australia and internationally, and (ii) leadership development and training opportunities; and in facilitating and supporting mentoring to develop and retain human capacity for a resilient future.
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Creamer, Maggie, and Kristina Horback. "Researching Human-Cattle Interaction on Rangelands: Challenges and Potential Solutions." Animals 11, no. 3 (March 7, 2021): 725. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani11030725.
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Human-animal interaction (HAI) research spans across many scientific fields and animal taxa. For livestock species, HAI research tends to focus on animals that are managed in close proximity with humans such as poultry, dairy cattle, and swine. Given the nature of rangeland cattle production, HAI research with beef cattle often occurs in and around the processing environment. This high arousal context may skew behavioral and physiological responses by the animals due to the potentially negative interaction. The aim of this review is to describe cattle production on rangelands, examine the considerations and limitations of current HAI research used to evaluate interaction quality or traits of rangeland cattle, identify contexts in which rangeland cattle interact with humans, and provide recommendations for improving future HAI research with rangeland cattle. Current research delineating individual differences in response to humans by beef cattle occur during routine husbandry and management on rangelands (pragmatic) and in a research context (experimental). Human-cattle interactions can be distinguished based on the quality and goal of the interaction into four broad categories: human presence, human approach, human contact, and restraint. Limitations of HAI research with rangeland cattle are identified and reconciled by recommendations for HAI research that can take place outside of the processing environment (i.e., while cattle are ruminating, resting or grazing on rangelands).
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Robertson, G. A. "Global influences on rangelands of Australia." Rangeland Journal 25, no. 2 (2003): 128. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj03011.
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Globalisation is a key pressure affecting the current and future use of the rangelands of Australia. While primary producers often perceive an insatiable demand for food as a guarantee of business success, declining population growth rates and high levels of productivity improvement in world food production are reducing the importance of food and fibre from the rangelands. This, combined with significant changes in consumer demands, is driving rangeland producers to meet market specifications for quality, safety, animal welfare and sustainability. Sustainability is a particular challenge with the rangelands certain to be affected by global warming and the politics and strategies required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Currently the rangelands produce a higher proportion of greenhouse gases compared with their contribution to the economy. However, they also provide an opportunity for carbon sequestration. While international trade liberalisation has been of advantage to the grazing industries in the rangelands, increased global awareness of the Australian rangelands, facilitated by the communications revolution, is encouraging alternative uses including tourism, existence value and other conservation and biodiversity management uses. The growing concept of multi-functionality will also impact on the rangelands as international government programmes continue to encourage non-commercial, surplus production of food. These influences are forcing major changes in the way land is used and what it produces.
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Zhao, Haidi, Shiliang Liu, Shikui Dong, Xukun Su, Xuexia Wang, Xiaoyu Wu, Lei Wu, and Xiang Zhang. "Analysis of vegetation change associated with human disturbance using MODIS data on the rangelands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau." Rangeland Journal 37, no. 1 (2015): 77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj14061.
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This paper evaluated changes in vegetation from 2000 to 2012, based on 1-km resolution 16-day composite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and related them to changes in estimates of human disturbance on the rangelands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The main rangeland types studied were desert, steppe and meadow with the latter mainly found in the southern and eastern parts of the study area. The results indicated that human disturbance was distributed mainly in the southern and eastern parts of the study area and corresponded with high NDVI values. The NDVI values showed an upward trend over the study period, with 28.5% of the study area exhibiting a significant increase. The proportion of rangelands that experienced a downward trend in NDVI increased as the level of human disturbance increased. Of the different rangeland types, meadow had the highest NDVI values, the greatest human disturbance, and the highest proportion of rangelands that exhibited a significant decrease in NDVI. Compared with areas with no human disturbance, meadow and steppe rangelands that experienced an increase in human disturbance had lower rates of increase in their NDVI values but, conversely, desert rangelands showed the opposite trend. In addition, it was found that precipitation had the dominant influence on NDVI values and that higher precipitation and slighter lower temperatures over the period of the study were related to an increase in NDVI values.
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Kara, Emre, and Mustafa Sürmen. "The role of slope as an environmental variable in plant biodiversity change in Aegean rangelands by SHE analysis: The case of Çakmar rangeland." Bilge International Journal of Science and Technology Research 8, no. 1 (March 31, 2024): 9–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.30516/bilgesci.1370407.
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Rangelands, which have rich plant and animal biodiversity, are also very important as a source of roughage for livestock. Rangeland vegetation patterns vary considerably under the influence of environmental factors. Indicator factors need to be identified and analyzed in order to manage conservation and utilization objectives. In rangelands of the Aegean region, the slope factor can greatly affect the rangeland plant biodiversity in areas close to the base rangeland. In order to investigate the spatial distribution and species variation in plant biodiversity caused by slope, 6 rangeland sections with different slopes were sampled in Koçarlı region (Aydın / Türkiye). Sampling was carried out using the transect method in the spring 2017 based on field observations. Following sampling, indicator species and species distribution and abundance were determined. Alpha biodiversity indices were used to determine the change in species biodiversity by SHE analysis. SHE analysis tests the relationship between S (species richness), H (Shannon-Wiener diversity index) and E (equality). This method aims to examine the contribution of the number of species and the concept of equity in the context of diversity. According to the information obtained as a result of the analysis, it was seen that the increase in slope may cause a decrease in species biodiversity. More species diversity was found in rangelands with low base and slope. Factors such as erosion and water transport affect the canopy and species abundance in high slope rangelands. However, other factors such as grazing intensity can reverse this situation. For this purpose, it has been determined that slope is an important environmental variable when preparing management plans based on grazing capacity and grazing animal species in vegetation studies.
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Heathcote, RL. "Manifest Destiny, Mirage and Mabo: Contemporary Images of the Rangelands." Rangeland Journal 16, no. 2 (1994): 155. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9940155.
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Attitudes to the Australian rangelands have changed markedly over the last 20 years in response to a variety of changes in societal attitudes to the environment in general and changes in national and international scientific knowledge on the nature of the rangeland ecosystem. The paper provides a brief review of those changing attitudes, seen in the context of the sociologist Cohen's four environmental orientations: instrumental, territorial, sentimental and symbolic. Evidence of each is provided and it is argued that future management of the rangelands will need to take cognisance of the variety of views of the nature and role of the rangelands which those orientations encompass.
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Nielsen, Uffe N., Mark Stafford-Smith, Graciela I. Metternicht, Andrew Ash, Alex Baumber, Matthias M. Boer, Sandy Booth, et al. "Challenges, solutions and research priorities for sustainable rangelands." Rangeland Journal 42, no. 5 (2020): 359. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj20059.
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Australia’s rangeland communities, industries, and environment are under increasing pressures from anthropogenic activities and global changes more broadly. We conducted a horizon scan to identify and prioritise key challenges facing Australian rangelands and their communities, and outline possible avenues to address these challenges, with a particular focus on research priorities. We surveyed participants of the Australian Rangeland Society 20th Biennial Conference, held in Canberra in September 2019, before the conference and in interactive workshops during the conference, in order to identify key challenges, potential solutions, and research priorities. The feedback was broadly grouped into six themes associated with supporting local communities, managing natural capital, climate variability and change, traditional knowledge, governance, and research and development. Each theme had several sub-themes and potential solutions to ensure positive, long-term outcomes for the rangelands. The survey responses made it clear that supporting ‘resilient and sustainable rangelands that provide cultural, societal, environmental and economic outcomes simultaneously’ is of great value to stakeholders. The synthesis of survey responses combined with expert knowledge highlighted that sustaining local communities in the long term will require that the inherent social, cultural and natural capital of rangelands are managed sustainably, particularly in light of current and projected variability in climate. Establishment of guidelines and approaches to address these challenges will benefit from: (i) an increased recognition of the value and contributions of traditional knowledge and practices; (ii) development of better governance that is guided by and benefits local stakeholders; and (iii) more funding to conduct and implement strong research and development activities, with research focused on addressing critical knowledge gaps as identified by the local stakeholders. This requires strong governance with legislation and policies that work for the rangelands. We provide a framework that indicates the key knowledge gaps and how innovations may be implemented and scaled out, up and deep to achieve the resilience of Australia’s rangelands. The same principles could be adapted to address challenges in rangelands on other continents, with similar beneficial outcomes.
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Bremer, Leah L., Neil Nathan, Clay Trauernicht, Puaʻala Pascua, Nicholas Krueger, Jordan Jokiel, Jayme Barton, and Gretchen C. Daily. "Maintaining the Many Societal Benefits of Rangelands: The Case of Hawaiʻi." Land 10, no. 7 (July 20, 2021): 764. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land10070764.
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Well-managed rangelands provide important economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. Yet, many rangelands worldwide are experiencing pressures of land-use change, overgrazing, fire, and drought, causing rapid degradation. These pressures are especially acute in the Hawaiian Islands, which we explore as a microcosm with some broadly relevant lessons. Absent stewardship, land in Hawaiʻi is typically subject to degradation through the spread and impacts of noxious invasive plant species; feral pigs, goats, deer, sheep, and cattle; and heightened fire risk. We first provide a framework, and then review the science demonstrating the benefits of well-managed rangelands, for production of food; livelihoods; watershed services; climate security; soil health; fire risk reduction; biodiversity; and a wide array of cultural values. Findings suggest that rangelands, as part of a landscape mosaic, contribute to social and ecological health and well-being in Hawaiʻi. We conclude by identifying important knowledge gaps around rangeland ecosystem services and highlight the need to recognize rangelands and their stewards as critical partners in achieving key sustainability goals, and in bridging the long-standing production-conservation divide.
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Ouled Belgacem, Azaiez, Farah Ben Salem, Mouldi Gamoun, Roukaya Chibani, and Mounir Louhaichi. "Revival of traditional best practices for rangeland restoration under climate change in the dry areas." International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management 11, no. 5 (November 18, 2019): 643–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijccsm-02-2018-0019.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the benefits of reintroducing traditional grazing systems practices for improving arid rangelands. Grazing is the most extensive land use in southern Tunisia, but the rangelands have suffered many decades of severe degradation due to profound socioeconomic changes and the emergence of an agro-pastoral society in place of the former pastoral one. Traditional grazing systems (gdel and herd mobility), which had historically allowed for grazing deferment and control of grazing livestock were abandoned. Yet grazing management strategies are important tools to sustain integrated livestock rangeland production systems in dry areas in the face of ongoing climate change and human pressure. Design/methodology/approach This study assesses the revival of traditional best practices of rangeland resting in a representative community. Total plant cover, species composition, flora richness and range production were determined in six rangeland sites subjected respectively to one, two and three years of rest; one and two years of light grazing after rest; and free grazing (control). Findings Results showed that dry rangelands keep their resilience to the negative effects of climate change once human pressure is controlled. A maximum of two years of rest is enough to sustainably manage the rangelands in southern Tunisia, as this protection showed considerable and positive effects on the parameters scored. Originality/value The revival of the traditional best practices under new arrangements adapted to current biophysical and socioeconomic conditions would be an excellent tool to mitigate the negative effects of frequent droughts and reduce the animal feed costs that poor farmers face.
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Wolf, Julie, Min Chen, and Ghassem R. Asrar. "Global Rangeland Primary Production and Its Consumption by Livestock in 2000–2010." Remote Sensing 13, no. 17 (August 29, 2021): 3430. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/rs13173430.
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Livestock grazing occupies ca. 25% of global ice-free land, removing large quantities of carbon (C) from global rangelands (here, including grass- and shrublands). The proportion of total livestock intake that is supplied by grazing (GP) is estimated at >50%, larger than the proportion from crop- and byproduct-derived fodders. Both rangeland productivity and its consumption through grazing are difficult to quantify, as is grazing intensity (GI), the proportion of annual aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) removed from rangelands by grazing livestock. We develop national or sub-national level estimates of GI and GP for 2000–2010, using remote sensing products, inventory data, and model simulations, and accounting for recent changes in livestock intake, fodder losses and waste, and national cropland use intensities. Over the 11 study years, multi-model average global rangeland ANPP varied between the values of 13.0 Pg C in 2002 and 13.96 Pg C in 2000. The global requirement for grazing intake increased monotonically by 18%, from 1.54 in 2000 to 1.82 Pg C in 2010. Although total global rangeland ANPP is roughly an order of magnitude larger than grazing demand, much of this total ANPP is unavailable for grazing, and national or sub-national deficits between intake requirements and available rangeland ANPP occurred in each year, totaling 36.6 Tg C (2.4% of total grazing intake requirement) in 2000, and an unprecedented 77.8 Tg C (4.3% of global grazing intake requirement) in 2010. After accounting for these deficits, global average GI ranged from 10.7% in 2000 to 12.6% in 2009 and 2010. The annually increasing grazing deficits suggest that rangelands are under significant pressure to accommodate rising grazing demand. Greater focus on observing, understanding, and managing the role of rangelands in feeding livestock, providing ecosystem services, and as part of the global C cycle, is warranted.
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Quinn, Michael. "Rights to the rangelands: European contests of possession in the early 20th century." Rangeland Journal 23, no. 1 (2001): 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj01011.
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Resolving competition over rights to the resources of Australia's rangelands is an issue of national prominence. In the early 20th century, European competition over the rangelands reflected the idea that the land needed to be used 'productively' for its occupation to be legitimate, and the idea that the rangelands were the 'public estate'. These perspectives about rights to the rangelands expose roots of today's conflicts. A central theme of 19th century Australian history has been conflict between squatters and colonial governments. By the beginning of the 20th century, occupation of the rangelands had been mostly legitimised through leases and licenses. Governments have continued to use leases to influence access and the use of the rangelands. The 20th century saw conflict continue over rights to the rangelands. Closer settlement, an expression of this conflict, sometimes led to land use that was disastrous for the land and those who used it. The career of the pastoralist Sidney Kidman illustrates the conflicts between the landed and landless, and the inseparability of 'productive' and 'legitimate' land use. The beginning of the 20th century also saw growing knowledge about the environmental impacts of rangeland pastoralism. The rights of lessees and governments were widely renegotiated, in the example of New South Wales, in all attempt to make land use better reflect this new knowledge and to protect the 'public estate'. Today, the history of the rangelands is used by different groups to justify perceived rights to its resources — these rights are legitimised culturally as well by the narrower prescriptions of the law. As social values change, different interests in the rangelands need to be accommodated. A better awareness of past ideas about the rights to the rangelands may in a small way help reconcile these interests, if only by reminding us that in the continuing process of adapting to the rangelands, rights have always been contested and negotiated rather than immutable.
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Hernández-Hernández, Lucas, Pedro Almaguer-Sierra, Ludivina Barrientos-Lozano, Uriel Jeshua Sánchez-Reyes, Aurora Y. Rocha-Sánchez, and Juan Flores-Gracia. "Patterns of Change and Successional Transition in a 47-Year Period (1973–2020) in Rangelands of the Tamaulipan Highlands, Northeastern Mexico." Forests 14, no. 4 (April 15, 2023): 815. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f14040815.
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Rangelands in arid and semi-arid regions are the main source of livestock feed. The fragmentation of these ecosystems by continuous grazing gives rise to the modification of ecological processes, which alters the structure and functionality of plant communities. Therefore, the use of geographic information systems and the analysis of satellite images are important to monitor spatial changes and to evaluate these areas in the Tamaulipan Highlands of northeastern Mexico. This work aimed to evaluate the current state of the rangelands and to determine the percentage of modified areas as well as propose the time of permanence, succession, or recovery of five different areas destined for rangelands. For the analysis, Landsat satellite scenes from the period 1973–2020 were used: they were classified into four categories using segmentation and maximum likelihood analysis, as well as a cross-tabulation method to determine the degree of succession. An increase in rangelands was found in three of the five areas analyzed in the period from 1973 to 2020. As rangeland areas increase, the coverage of pine–oak forests, submontane–thorny scrub, and anthropogenic areas, decreases. The disturbance processes were not linear, and the increase in rangeland areas was greater in xerophilous scrub and secondary vegetation. This work is the first contribution that evaluates the changes in land use and cover in grazing areas compromised by continuous grazing in the Tamaulipan Highlands and Mexico. In addition, the results indicate the importance of performing studies based on the coexistence of wildlife and livestock as well as the interaction between soil degradation and plant diversity with the increase in rangelands.
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Lu, Hao, Dan Dan Cao, Feng Ma, Shan Shan Wang, Xiao Wen Yang, Wen Long Wang, Qi Wu Zhou, and Bao Yu Zhao. "Characterisation of locoweeds and their effect on livestock production in the western rangelands of China: a review." Rangeland Journal 36, no. 2 (2014): 121. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj13105.
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The rangelands of China are an important resource for livestock production, and play a strategic role in maintaining ecosystems and protecting the living environment of humans. Drought, overgrazing, infrastructure development, insufficient investment and poor management of rangelands have led to the invasion and spread of poisonous weeds in these rangelands in recent years. The rapid spread of poisonous weeds over the last few decades have caused a series of ecological problems, including a decrease in biological diversity and consequent desertification, and they are seriously affecting the ecological balance of rangelands, and the sustainable livestock production. Locoweeds, which belong to the genera Oxytropis and Astragalus, are an important species of poisonous legumes in the western rangelands of China, causing large economic losses. This review summarises the species and their ecological distribution, the toxic ingredients, the poisoning mechanism of locoweeds and damage control techniques for locoweeds. It attempts to highlight certain issues relating to research on locoweeds and how they are being tackled in order to understand the significance of locoweeds in preserving ecosystem diversity and the steps that require to be taken to control the spread of locoweeds in the western natural rangeland of China.
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Eghdami, Hanieh, Ghanimat Azhdari, Philippe Lebailly, and Hossein Azadi. "Impact of Land Use Changes on Soil and Vegetation Characteristics in Fereydan, Iran." Agriculture 9, no. 3 (March 20, 2019): 58. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9030058.
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To understand and manage ecosystem complexity, it is important to determine the relationships between soil characteristics, human activities, and biodiversity. This study analyzes the relationships between vegetation, soil, and man-made damage with regards to land use change in the Fereydan region, Iran. Soil physical properties such as sand and silt content, clay, saturated soil’s moisture content, and gravel percentage as well as chemical properties such as lime content, pH, electro conductivity (EC), and organic matter content were measured. In order to trace these variables, the principle component analysis (PCA) was applied. The study area was divided into three states of conditions; i.e., good condition rangelands, poor condition rangelands, and abandoned rain-fed area. Based on the results there was a significant difference between species diversity in good condition rangelands compared with two other sites. The results further revealed that among soil chemical and physical characteristics, only soil organic matter had a significant difference between different rangeland sites. According to the results, the rangelands with good conditions had the highest amount of organic matter (1.43–1.50%) compared with two other studied rangelands (poor conditions: 1.02–1.09%; abandoned rain-fed: 1.2–1.46%). The most influential factor on the species diversity index was the distance to village parameter that revealed the important role of humans in degrading rangelands and reducing species diversity.
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Acharya, Dhruba, and Nav Raj Baral. "Neglected High Altitude Rangelands of Nepal: Need for Reform." Journal of Forest and Livelihood 15, no. 1 (September 4, 2017): 103–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfl.v15i1.23093.
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High altitude (HA) rangelands (e.g., grasslands, pastures, and shrublands) are important resources for the livelihoods of transhumance pastoralists. Transhumance pastoralists have developed and used unique institutional practices of using and managing HA rangeland resources that better suit their local context. However, several issues have emerged regarding the use and management of such rangelands. Using secondary information and our own experiences, we analyse the resource tenure situation and the political ecology of the HA rangelands. We found that the current management of these resources is largely neglected from both legal and programmatic point of view. Legal instruments and programmatic interventions have not only failed to recognise historically held indigenous knowledge and long practiced resource conservation, use and management but have also limited the access of pastoralists to the resources, and thereby, inducing conflict among stakeholders. As a result, the livelihoods of the transhumance pastoralists have been threatened and several socio-cultural, economic and ecological consequences have also been experienced. We suggest developing a separate policy and management plan for HA rangeland resources considering the customary rights of transhumance pastoralists, resource conditions and appropriate management practices. We also suggest incorporating such perspectives in revising ongoing community forest and protected areas management.
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Norman, Laura M., Miguel L. Villarreal, Rewati Niraula, Mark Haberstich, and Natalie R. Wilson. "Modelling Development of Riparian Ranchlands Using Ecosystem Services at the Aravaipa Watershed, SE Arizona." Land 8, no. 4 (April 16, 2019): 64. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land8040064.
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This paper describes how subdivision and development of rangelands within a remote and celebrated semi-arid watershed near the US–Mexico border might affect multiple ecohydrological services provided, such as recharge of the aquifer, water and sediment yield, water quality, flow rates and downstream cultural and natural resources. Specifically, we apply an uncalibrated watershed model and land-change forecasting scenario to consider the potential effects of converting rangelands to housing developments and document potential changes in hydrological ecosystem services. A new method to incorporate weather data in watershed modelling is introduced. Results of introducing residential development in this fragile arid environment portray changes in the water budget, including increases in surface-water runoff, water yield, and total sediment loading. Our findings also predict slight reductions in lateral soil water, a component of the water budget that is increasingly becoming recognized as critical to maintaining water availability in arid regions. We discuss how the proposed development on shrub/scrub rangelands could threaten to sever imperative ecohydrological interactions and impact multiple ecosystem services. This research highlights rangeland management issues important for the protection of open space, economic valuation of rangeland ecosystem services, conservation easements, and incentives to develop markets for these.
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Hou, Xiangyang, Yantin Yin, David Michalk, Xiangjun Yun, Yong Ding, Xiliang Li, and Jizhou Ren. "Herders’ opinions about desirable stocking rates and overstocking in the rangelands of northern China." Rangeland Journal 36, no. 6 (2014): 601. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj13040.
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Herders’ desirable stocking rates and their opinions of overstocking were studied using survey and multi-regression methods in the meadow steppe, typical steppe and desert steppe regions of northern China. It was found that individual herders had their own perception of their particular ‘desirable stocking rate’, which referred to the number of livestock that the herders thought they could keep or maintain on an area of rangeland over a specified period of time. These perceptions were not in line with the ‘balancing animals and grass’ policy of the Chinese government, and herders used them as a guide to adjust stock-breeding practices. Most herders admitted that they bred more livestock now than 10 years ago, but insisted that there was no overstocking and many even thought that their rangelands could still carry more livestock. They also held the view that they took into account the carrying capacity of rangelands when making decisions about livestock-breeding practices. Individual herders thought that the reasonable stocking rate range should be 0.75–1.50 sheep units ha–1 (meadow steppe), 0.60–1.50 sheep units ha–1 (typical steppe), and 0.50–0.75 sheep units ha–1 (desert steppe), respectively. The herders from the desert steppe regions were most concerned about the overstocking of rangelands, and the concern of herders was in the order desert steppe > typical steppe > meadow steppe. The herders with more formal education and those who worked in a village council and had smaller areas of rangelands, were more concerned about the overstocking of rangelands. It is argued that such herders should be given more access to policy and market information, including extensive grazing and modern stall-feeding technologies, and encouraged to reduce their desirable stocking rates, leading to more sustainable rangeland management in northern China.
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Holechek, Jerry L., Hatim M. E. Geli, Andres F. Cibils, and Mohammed N. Sawalhah. "Climate Change, Rangelands, and Sustainability of Ranching in the Western United States." Sustainability 12, no. 12 (June 17, 2020): 4942. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12124942.
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Accelerated climate change is a global challenge that is increasingly putting pressure on the sustainability of livestock production systems that heavily depend on rangeland ecosystems. Rangeland management practices have low potential to sequester greenhouse gases. However, mismanagement of rangelands and their conversion into ex-urban, urban, and industrial landscapes can significantly exacerbate the climate change process. Under conditions of more droughts, heat waves, and other extreme weather events, management of risks (climate, biological, financial, political) will probably be more important to the sustainability of ranching than capability to expand output of livestock products in response to rising demand due to population growth. Replacing traditional domestic livestock with a combination of highly adapted livestock and game animals valued for both hunting and meat may be the best strategy on many arid rangelands. Eventually, traditional ranching could become financially unsound across large areas if climate change is not adequately addressed. Rangeland policy, management, and research will need to be heavily focused on the climate change problem.
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Friedel, MH. "How spatial and temporal scale affect the perception of change in rangelands." Rangeland Journal 16, no. 1 (1994): 16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9940016.
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Heterogeneity in rangelands occurs at many levels, both spatially and temporally. The different levels are hierarchically ordered, from organism to landscape in the spatial context, and each has its characteristic emergent properties. Models of rangeland succession are dependent on the spatial scales of disturbance and assessment. Detectionof changes in the productive potential of rangelands is also scale dependent. Commonly, the emergent properties of lower levels, e.g, composition within communities, are used incorrectly to indicate the status of higher levels, e.g landscapes. Understanding the nature of change requires an exploration of different scales of heterogeneity.
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Morton, SR. "Changing Conservation Perceptions in the Australian Rangelands." Rangeland Journal 15, no. 1 (1993): 145. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9930145.
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Attitudes to conservation in the rangelands are shifting rapidly as cultural change alters the ways in which Australians view their history and environment. In earlier times, pastoralists of the outback were seen as admirable pioneers; today, not all Australians hold such a view. In an effort to predict how trends in social change might affect conservation issues I review recent events in the forest and fishing industries, which like the rangeland industries are to some extent based upon public land or resources. The forest industries have been under sustained attack from conservationists, whereas pressure on the fishing industry has emanated from scientists and governments worried about sustainability. Both industries are changing in response to these pressures, and it is possible that animal production in the rangelands will eventually experience similar forces. I suggest that in the long run the rangeland industries will be unable to ignore change, and that in fact the social currents may provide new opportunities.
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Day, Merri E., Minfeng Tang, Phillip A. Lancaster, Deann Presley, Dustin L. Pendell, Walter H. Fick, Luca Doro, Adam Ahlers, and Andrew Ricketts. "Simulation of the Impact of Rangeland Management Strategies on Soil Health, Environmental Footprint, Economic Impact, and Human-Edible Nutrient Conversion from Grasslands in the Central and Northern Great Plains of the United States." Sustainability 15, no. 16 (August 16, 2023): 12456. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su151612456.
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The objective of this study was to determine the impact of combinations of management practices on the sustainability of rangelands in different ecoregions across the Great Plains. Six study sites were selected in Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota, encompassing the Flint Hills, High Plains, and Sandhills ecoregions. Twelve rangeland management scenarios were developed from combinations of stocking density (light, moderate, heavy), grazing management (continuous, rotational), and fire regime (no burn, spring burn) along with a no-management scenario. Each scenario was simulated at each site using established computer models: Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender model, Integrated Farm System Model, and Impact Analysis for Planning. Additionally, human-edible nutrient conversion was computed. A sustainability index was developed to encompass the three sustainability pillars (i.e., environmental, economic, and social) into a single value. Unmanaged rangelands generally had less soil (20%), nitrogen (30%), and phosphorus (50%) losses, although this was not consistent across ecoregions, and similar or greater soil carbon deposition than grazed rangelands. There was an interaction among stocking density, grazing management, fire regime, and ecoregion for many indicators of soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, economic activity, and human-edible nutrient conversion. The scenarios with the greatest overall sustainability index value had moderate to high index values for each of the three pillars (people, planet, profit). In conclusion, the ranking of rangeland management practices based on sustainability indicators was inconsistent across ecoregions, indicating that the optimal management system to improve sustainability of rangelands is not the same for all ecoregions.
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Passmore, JGI, and CG Brown. "Property Size and Rangeland Degradation in the Queensland Mulga Rangelands." Rangeland Journal 14, no. 1 (1992): 9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9920009.
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Small property size is often cited as one of the major causes of rangeland degradation in Australia. However, there is some conjecture as to the importance of this effect and the process by which small property sizes lead to rangeland degradation. Relatively little empirical analysis of these issues has been undertaken, especially in a dynamic context which is all important in the case of rangeland degradation. Regression and dynamic programming techniques are employed in this study to investigate and measure the impact of property sizes on the use and state of one of Australia's most important rangelands, the Queensland mulga rangeland. Regression analysis of cross sectional data reveals significant correlations between property size, stocking rate and degradation. These correlations are confirmed in a normative stochastic dynamic programming model which demonstrates that it is economically optimal for graziers managing smaller properties to adopt higher stocking rates. For these graziers, the longterm costs of land degradation are exceeded by short-term financial benefits of heavier stocking. Thus government policy aimed at arresting the serious degradation occurring in the mulga rangelands should focus on measures to facilitate property build-up..
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Pearson, Diane M. "Landscape ecology: its role as a trans-disciplinary science for rangeland sustainability." Rangeland Journal 35, no. 4 (2013): 363. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj12067.
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The aim is to review landscape ecology and the contribution it can make to sustainable rangeland management, using Australia as an example. An examination is made of how much traditional ecology, as a discipline, influences landscape ecology in Australia. Also evaluated is whether, under this influence, landscape ecology is emerging as effectively as it could be as a trans-disciplinary science that can contribute significantly to rangeland sustainability. Surveys of landscape ecologists in Australia make it possible to classify Australian landscape ecology as being ‘unidirectional interdisciplinary’ in approach, with ecology being the coordinating discipline. The important contribution that research under this classification provides in terms of understanding structure, process, and change in rangelands is recognised and acknowledged. However, the question is raised as to whether following an ecological construct is constraining the application of landscape ecology more widely to address the complex environmental problems facing Australia’s (and the world’s) rangelands that also require consideration of the social and geographical aspects of landscapes. Recent shifts in the landscape ecological paradigm towards a science for sustainability that links science and practice, with particular focus on landscape design, social and cultural aspects of landscapes, and the value associated with landscape services, make landscape ecology increasingly more useful as a ‘goal-oriented’ approach for addressing rangeland sustainability. This paper suggests that those involved in rangeland management need to consider landscape ecology within its wider context. In doing so, it is argued that they should explore the possibilities it has to offer in dealing with development and management of rangelands, including interrelationships between people and landscapes, and to ensure ecosystem goods and services valued by people are preserved.
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Karatassiou, Maria, Zoi M. Parissi, Sampson Panajiotidis, and Afroditi Stergiou. "Impact of Grazing on Diversity of Semi-Arid Rangelands in Crete Island in the Context of Climatic Change." Plants 11, no. 7 (April 4, 2022): 982. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/plants11070982.
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The rangelands of Crete island (Greece) are typical Mediterranean habitats under high risk of degradation due to long-term grazing and harsh climatic conditions. We explored the effect of abiotic (climatic conditions, altitude) and biotic factors (long-term grazing by small ruminants) on the floristic composition and diversity of selected lowland (Pyrathi, Faistos) and highland (Vroulidia, Nida) rangelands. In each rangeland, the ground cover was measured, and the floristic composition was calculated in terms of five functional groups: grasses, legumes, forbs, phrygana, and shrubs. The aridity index, species turnover, species richness, Shannon entropy, and Gini–Simpson index (with the latter two converted to the effective number of species) were calculated. Our results reveal that highlands are characterized by the highest aridity index (wetter conditions). Lowland rangelands, compared to highland, exhibited a higher percentage contribution of grasses, legumes, and forbs, while species turnover decreased along the altitudinal gradient. The Shannon entropy index was correlated (a) positively with Gini–Simpson and mean annual temperature and (b) negatively with mean annual precipitation, aridity index, and altitude. Moreover, the Gini–Simpson index correlated positively with mean annual temperature and negatively with altitude. Our results could help to understand the effects of grazing on rangeland dynamics and sustainability in semi-arid regions in the context of climatic change.
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KOÇ, Ali, Mehmet Kerim GÜLLAP, Mustafa SÜRMEN, and Halil İbrahim ERKOVAN. "Changes in some vegetation properties of the rangelands of the Palandöken Mountains, Erzurum, over two decades." TURKISH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY 44, no. 6 (December 8, 2020): 589–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.3906/tar-1909-37.
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Plant community responses to environmental changes depend upon management strategies, climate, topography, and time. The objective herein was to determine canopy coverage and botanical changes in Turkish highland rangelands with different topographical characteristics between 1993 and 2013. Trends in the plant composition changed depending on the slope aspect (compass direction) and topography. The contribution of the grasses to the canopy decreased, while that of legumes and the other families increased. The results indicated that rangeland degradation occurred under uncontrolled grazing conditions. Suitable range management changes are recommended for the conservation of natural resources in the highland rangelands of Turkey.
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Torell, Gregory L., and Katherine D. Lee. "Impact of Climate Change on Livestock Returns and Rangeland Ecosystem Sustainability in the Southwest." Agricultural and Resource Economics Review 47, no. 2 (August 2018): 336–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/age.2018.13.
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Climate change will increase variability in temperature and precipitation on rangelands, impacting ecosystem services including livestock grazing. Facing uncertainty about future climate, managers must know if current practices will maintain rangeland sustainability. Herein, the future density of an invasive species, broom snakeweed, is estimated using a long-term ecological dataset and climate projections. We find that livestock stocking rates determined using a current method result in lower forage production, allowable stocking rate, and grazing value than an economically efficient stocking rate. Results indicate that using ecology and adaptive methods in management are critical to the sustainability of rangelands.
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Behmanesh, B., H. Barani, A. Abedi Sarvestani, M. R. Shahraki, and M. Sharafatmandrad. "Rangeland degradation assessment: a new strategy based on indigenous ecological knowledge of pastoralists." Solid Earth Discussions 7, no. 4 (October 30, 2015): 2999–3019. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/sed-7-2999-2015.
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Abstract. In the changing world, the prevalence of land degradation is becoming a serious problem worldwide especially in countries with arid and semiarid rangelands. There are many techniques to assess rangeland degradation but most of them rely on classic science. So a study was conducted to find out how indigenous people assess rangeland degradation and how their ecological knowledge can be used for rangeland degradation assessment. We interviewed pastoralists of two sites (Mirza-Baylu and Dasht) where part of both areas is located in Golestan National Park (NE Iran). A structured questionnaire was designed based on some indicators taken from literature and also primary discussions with pastoralists in order to evaluate land degradation. A qualitative Likert scale was used for scoring rangeland degradation indicators. The results revealed that pastoralist pay first attention to edaphic indicators than vegetative and other indicators. There were significant differences between inside and outside of the park in rangeland degradation indicators for both sites. The results show that the rangelands outside the park in both sites were degraded compare to inside the park especially in the areas near to villages. It can be concluded that pastoralists own a vast amount of knowledge on the vegetation and grazing animal habits that can be used in rangeland degradation assessment and it is necessary to document their ecological indigenous knowledge and involve them in rangeland degradation assessment process.
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Ren, Jizhou, and Zizhi Hu. "Preface to the Special Issue of." Rangeland Journal 43, no. 6 (February 21, 2022): 283–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj22001.
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Rangelands are some of the most widely distributed ecosystems on Earth, covering ~20% of the land surface area. As an important part of terrestrial ecosystems, accurate rangeland classification plays a crucial role in carbon cycling, biodiversity conservation and forage production. The Comprehensive Sequential Classification System of Rangeland (CSCSR), a well accepted rangeland classification system, has attracted global attention and has undergone further development. This paper reviews the origin and development of the CSCSR and its application in the fields of climate change, rangeland and livestock production, even rangeland ecosystem services in detail.
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Awalu, Adamu Mbah, and Manu Ibrahim Nformi. "Rangeland Degradation and Rehabilitation: Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Perceptions of Pastoralists in the Adamawa High Plateau of Cameroon." International Journal of Horticulture, Agriculture and Food science 6, no. 4 (2022): 01–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijhaf.6.4.1.
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Pastoralists’ perceptions and indigenous ecological knowledge of vegetation changes are often ignored despite the debate about their role in rangeland management. Yet, pastoralists are known to have extensive ecological knowledge which could complement scientific knowledge and contribute to improved understanding and sustainable management of savanna Ecosystems. This study was aimed at exploring pastoralists’ perceptions regarding rangeland degradation in the Adamawa highland plateau. More specifically, it was geared to examine their awareness of rangeland degradation, the current status/condition of the rangelands, the drivers and major root causes of degradation, negative consequences, existing management practices, and a methodological framework to make these measures more resilient. The study applied a descriptive statistics method. Focus group discussions, field observations and structured/semi-structured survey questionnaires, were used for data collection, where 240 pastoralists were targeted. The study covered 4 sub-divisions within Faro & Deo District of the plateau based on the intensity of degradation (high, medium and less). The major findings indicate that, the main livelihood activity is cattle rearing and crop cultivation (86.43%) with a certain degree of sedentarization. The major livestock production constraint proved to be insufficient and poor pasture available for cattle (65.71%). A great majority (93.6%) also confirmed that the present rangeland state/condition has become poor and non-conducive for cattle production. This is clearly interpreted in the drastic drop of the ‘cheptel’ (average holdings) and a decline in the quality of pastoral resources/outputs offered to the communities. The major root causes of degradation were overgrazing, bush encroachment, uncontrolled bush fires, soil erosion, population pressure and limited care/attention paid to rangelands. The major socio-economic consequences were poverty, food insecurity, conflicts, loss of cultural heritage, rural exodus and high crime waves. Through their indigenous ecological knowledge pastoralists conserve their rangelands through: mechanical and chemical fight against bush encroachment (Bush clearing and use of selective herbicide respectively), seasonal herd mobility/transhumance, use of paddocking systems, destocking of herds, adoption of improved pastures, and improvement on pastoral hydraulics. Government and NGOs’ supports to rangeland management, proved to be limited in the study area. The degradation of rangelands in the study area is progressing at an alarming rate which gives the impression of difficulty to restore it in the future if proper measures are not taken by stakeholders.
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SIBANDA, ANDREW, SABINE HOMANN-KEE TUI, ANDRÉ VAN ROOYEN, JOHN DIMES, DANIEL NKOMBONI, and GIVIOUS SISITO. "UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF LAND USE CHANGES IN THE RANGELANDS, ZIMBABWE." Experimental Agriculture 47, S1 (January 2011): 153–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s001447971000092x.
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SUMMARYThe objective of this study was to investigate the user communities' understanding and interpretation of changes in rangeland use and productivity in the communal lands of Zimbabwe. While external knowledge has been instrumental in defining the drivers and effects of ecological changes hitherto, the role of local knowledge is becoming increasingly important in explaining factors that inform user community perceptions and guide their decisions on the use of rangeland resources. Data on community perceptions were collected in four villages, using Participatory Rural Appraisals in each village and household surveys with a total of 104 households. This study showed that user communities in Nkayi district differentiate rangelands among seven categories of livestock feed resources and how these have changed over time. Communities viewed rangelands not as one continuous, designated and specialized land parcel, but differentiated the land by location, productivity, management and uses in different times of the year. Although land use changes affecting these livestock feed resources were considered to be widespread and multi-directional (both negative and positive) they did not cause widespread degradation. Rangelands converted to croplands were not completely lost, but became important dual purpose land parcels fulfilling both household food security needs and dry season livestock feed requirements. The importance of croplands as a feed resource is reflected in the emergence of new institutions governing their use for livestock grazing and to guarantee security of tenure. On the other hand institutions governing the use of common property rangelands decreased or weakened in their application. The study concludes that while this situation presents ecological challenges for the rangelands, it offers opportunities to find innovative ways of utilizing croplands as the new frontier in the provision of dry season feed resources to smallholder farmers in highly variable environments. Implications for livestock water productivity need to be investigated and water saving technologies should be promoted in the land use intensification processes.
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Grice, A. C., and T. G. Martin. "Guest Editorial: Rangelands, weeds and biodiversity." Rangeland Journal 28, no. 1 (2006): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj06000.
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Australian rangelands are important for the diverse assemblages of native plants and animals that they support as well as for the wide variety of products and services that they provide. These assemblages are of national and international, cultural, social, ecological and economic significance. Woinarski (2001) identified several processes that are threatening the biodiversity of Australian rangelands, including grazing pressure, the proliferation of artificial watering points, vegetation clearing, predation by introduced animals and inappropriate fire regimes. His review also highlighted the importance of invasion by non-native plant species, a threatening process for ecosystems in other parts of Australia and around the world. Biological invasions pose a major risk for individual native species, communities and the ecological processes upon which they depend. The papers in this Special Issue of The Rangeland Journal consider non-native plant species in relation to the threats that they pose to the biodiversity of Australian rangelands and how those threats may be managed.
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Jamil, Akash, Muhammad Zubair, and Bryan A. Endress. "Influence of Pastoral Settlements Gradient on Vegetation Dynamics and Nutritional Characteristics in Arid Rangelands." Sustainability 15, no. 6 (March 9, 2023): 4849. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su15064849.
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An expansion of pastoral settlements in arid rangelands can increase pressure on fragile ecosystems. High stocking rates and inappropriate rangeland management can cause large, difficult-to-reverse changes in the composition and structure of rangeland ecosystems. This study aims to understand changes in vegetation composition (cover, density, biomass, richness, diversity) and nutritional characteristics of range vegetation along a gradient of increasing pastoral population in arid rangelands of Pakistan. Three sites were selected for sampling within three areas classified by their distance from settlement: Near, Away, Far (9 sites in total) belt transects (10 × 150 m). A total of 90 transects (30 each in classified sites) of size 10 × 150 m were placed at a distance of 100 m apart from each distance group. Results identified 28 species from nine plant families. We found a significant difference in vegetation characteristics along the gradient. Vegetation diversity increased along the settlement gradient, highest being in the far sites. Density, plant cover and biomass were greatest at the sites near pastoral communities and decreased as the distance from the settlements increased. Palatable species were characterized by low density and diversity near herder’s villages, but values increased as the distance from the villages increased. An increase in shrubs was observed near pastoral settlements, resulting in higher plant cover, biomass and density in these sites. This study identified anthropogenic impacts on rangeland structure and composition and found large shifts near communities. The frequent monitoring of vegetation resources is important, and the development of sustainable conservative strategies are recommended to ensure harmonious coexistence of pastoral populations in arid rangelands.
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Sarkwa, FO, EC Timpong-Jones, R. Owusu-Bremang, and K. Mopipi. "Climate change and variability affect rangeland quality and productivity-how?" African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development 23, no. 03 (March 27, 2023): 22711–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.118.21975.
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Climate change is a principal threat to the sustainability of our planet which consists partly of the world’s rangelands. According to numerous studies and reports, the trend at which the global climate is changing is a clear indication that the long term sustainability of global rangelands is uncertain. There is abundant evidence of climate change across the globe. The global average surface temperature is predicted to increase between 1.8°C and 4.0°C by 2100. This will no doubt have adverse and tremendous impact on the quality and productivity of rangelands, which in turn is expected to affect ruminant livestock production since about 70 % of forages fed on by animals are produced from these rangelands. The current climate change is basically as a result of anthropogenic activities leading to a build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases are trapped in the atmosphere and in return increase global surface temperature and alter known climatic patterns globally. This review, therefore, highlights the effect of climate change on rangeland quality and productivity considering how the drivers of climate change impact on the length of the growing period, plant species composition, nutritional value of forages, drought stress in plants, lignification, vegetation flammability and mortality/extinction of range plant and animal species. The review revealed that, climate change will result into the extinction of over one million terrestrial species in the next five decades. The elevation of CO2 levels will increase non-structural carbohydrate content of grasses by 25 % and reduce their nitrogen content by about 8 %. It is also reported that, for every 1 % rise in temperature, there will be 0.4 % rise in Neutral Detergent Fibre decreasing forage intake and digestibility. Rising temperature also results in faster decomposition of soil organic matter. However, minerals will be lost through leaching and erosion if mineral uptake by rangeland plant species is slower than the rate of mineral release into the soil. It is clear that changing climate is having a toll on rangeland quality and productivity, the impact is mixed and difficult to quantify. It is recommended that, much research efforts be put into quantification of climate change impacts on rangelands through modelling and projections simplified for the comprehension of the resource poor livestock farmers particularly in developing countries. Vulnerable rural based livestock farmers should be assisted with adaptation strategies to remain in production. Key words: Composition of plant species, drought stress, nutritional value, plant mortality
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Ash, AJ, and DMS Smith. "Evaluating Stocking Rate Impacts in Rangelands: Animals Don't Practice What We Preach." Rangeland Journal 18, no. 2 (1996): 216. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9960216.
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paper session 29: Molecular biology - forage quality. In: Proc. XVII International Grassland Congress, pp. 1105-6. Keeling and Mundy Ltd., Palmerston North, New Zealand. United States Department of Agriculture. (1980). Report and recommendations on organic farming. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC. VanTassel, L. W., Heitschmidt, R.K. and Conner, J.R. (1987). Modeling variation in range calf growth under conditions of environmental uncertainty. J. Range. Manage. 40: 310-4. Walker, B.H. (1993). Stability in rangelands: ecology and economics. In: Proc. XW International Grassland Congress, pp. 1885-90. Keeling and Mundy Ltd., Palmerston North, New Zealand. Walker, J.W. (1994). Multispecies grazing: the ecological advantage. Sheep Res. J. Special Issue: 52-64. Walker, A.B., Frizelle, J.A. and Morris, S.D. (1994). The New Zealand policy framework for sustainable agriculture and some implications for animal production research. Proc. N. Z. Soc. Anim Prod. 54: 369-72. Walker, J.W., Heitschmidt, R.K., DeMoraes, E.A., Kothmann, M.M. and Dowhower, S.L. (1989). Quality and botanical composition of cattle diets under rotational and continuous grazing treatments. J. Range Manage . 42: 239-42. Whitson, R.E., Heitschmidt, R.K., Kothmann, M.M. and Lundgren, G.K. (1982). The impact of grazing systems on the magnitude and stability of ranch income in the Rolling Plains of Texas. J. Range Manage .35: 526-32. Wight, J.R. and Hanson, C.L. (1993). Simulation models as decision aids for management of rangeland ecosystems. In: Proc. XVII International Grassland Congress, pp. 770-1. Keeling and Mundy Ltd., Palmerston North, New Zealand. Wilson, A.D., Harrington, G.N. and Beale, I.F. (1984). Grazing management. In: Management of Australia's rangelands (Eds G.N. Harrington, A.D. Wilson and M.D. Young) pp. 129-40. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Australia. Wood, W.R. and Thiessen, T.D. (Eds) (1985). Early fur trade on the Northern Plains: the narratives of John Macdonnell, David Thompson, Francois-Antoine Laraocque and Charles McKenzie. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, Oklahoma. Manuscript received 4 April 1996, accepted 30 July 1996. Rangel. J. 18(2) 1996, 216-43 EVALUATING STOCKING RATE IMPACTS IN RANGELANDS: ANIMALS DON'T PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH A.J. Ash1 and D.M. Stafford Smith2 'CSIRO Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, PMB, Aitkenvale, Qld 4814 2CSIR0 Division of Wildlife and Ecology, PO Box 2111, Alice Springs, NT 0871 Abstract Stocking rate is the most important management variable affecting productivity and stability in rangelands. In this paper we examine the relevance of stocking rate research to the complex and highly variable ecosystems that make up most rangeland enterprises. We review a number of stocking rate experiments that have been conducted in both rangelands and more intensively grazed, improved pastures and demonstrate a fundamental difference in the nature of the stocking rate - animal production relationship between the two environments. Animal production in rangelands is less sensitive to increases in utilisation rate than in improved pastures, at least in the short to medium time frame of most experiments. These differences can largely be explained by factors relating to the much greater spatial and temporal variability of rangelands such as: inter-annual and seasonal fluctuations in vegetation composition and quality; long-term vegetation changes; and spatial and temporal patterns of diet selection in complex vegetation. Together, these factors limit the application of linear stocking rate models to complex rangeland environments for prediction of animal production responses. We suggest that dynamic simulation models, which incorporate the spatial and temporal variability of rangelands, may be the best way of developing simple but useful management principles for setting stocking rates that are more appropriate than simplified regression relationships.