Pastures and pastoralism hold significant importance both globally and in specific regions like Portugal and Madeira Island, as they contribute to biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable land use.

General Importance of Pastures and Pastoralism

Pastoralism, the practice of raising livestock on natural pastures, is crucial for maintaining ecological balance in many regions. By allowing animals to graze in open landscapes, pastoralism supports biodiversity by promoting a range of plant species and preventing land from being overtaken by invasive plants. Pastures themselves act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide, and contribute to soil health through the natural nutrient cycle created by grazing animals.

Pastoral systems are especially important in areas with marginal lands where other forms of agriculture may not be viable. They offer an efficient way to produce food and resources in such landscapes, ensuring that these lands remain productive without overexploitation.

Pastures and Pastoralism in Portugal

In Portugal, traditional pastoralism is deeply embedded in the rural economy and culture, especially in the interior and mountainous regions. Systems like the montado (a type of agro-silvopastoral system) combine trees, shrubs, and pasture, creating a biodiverse landscape that supports livestock while maintaining ecological health. The montado system is recognized for its high biodiversity, including cork oaks, Mediterranean shrubs, and various grasses. This system helps in the preservation of native flora and fauna, mitigates soil erosion, and promotes carbon storage, making it environmentally and economically valuable (Pereira & Fonseca, 2003).

In recent years, Portuguese pastoralists have faced challenges due to climate change, with increasing droughts impacting water availability and pasture quality. However, pastoralism remains a resilient practice, with adaptations such as rotational grazing and water-efficient livestock breeds helping to address these challenges.

Pastures and Pastoralism on Madeira Island

On Madeira Island, pastoralism has a unique significance. The island’s mountainous terrain and Mediterranean climate make certain areas suitable for grazing, particularly for sheep and goats. Madeira's pastures help in preventing soil erosion on steep slopes, which is vital given the region’s vulnerability to landslides and erosion. Pastoral activities on Madeira also help maintain traditional landscapes, which are part of the island’s cultural heritage and an attraction for ecotourism.

However, the limited land area on Madeira means that pastures are under pressure from urbanization and changing land use patterns. Conservation efforts are important here to sustain traditional pastoralism, as it not only preserves Madeira’s agricultural biodiversity but also supports the rural economy and helps manage fire-prone landscapes through controlled grazing.

In conclusion, pastoralism and well-managed pastures contribute to ecological sustainability, cultural heritage, and rural livelihoods in both Portugal and Madeira. Their preservation and adaptation to modern challenges are essential for maintaining the environmental and socio-economic health of these regions.

The features of the map:

The presents a diversity of pastoralists around the world. This implies that in each world region pastoralism and rangelands are represented. The presence of pastoralists define the commonalities involved in terms of cultures, breeds of animals, and the biodiversity. 

You can also notice that these landscapes have variable climatic conditions from hot, cold, and dry. This conditions are unique in a way that pastures especially natural pastures thrive using natural means. Basically this does not support crop production. 

Answer/Student feedback on the task in 1.1.2. Write 3 features of the map. The three features includes:

1. Title: this is the purpose or the subject of the map. The title is World map of Pastoralists.

2. Legend(Key): this represents symbols and lines used on the map to represent land use. In the map symbols show Pastoralist Species and uses.

3. Labels: This shows coloured lines that show names of places, features, or other important information to identify key locations on the map

Examples of ecosystem services provided by rangelands and pastures

Rangelands are those type of lands that may consists of grasslands, savannas, forestlands, forbes. This ecosystems play a vital role for ecosystems such as 

- Carbon sequestration: Grassland soils are sinks of carbon and they contain at least 20% of the world soil carbon. That makes rangelands a critical ecosystems for carbon capture. 

- Habitat for wildlife such as reptiles, birds, mammals

- Secret home for most biodiversity (plants and animals find moisture to respond to changes in climate)

- Purification of water for various lives such as plants and animals.

Hi all, 

I'm excited to start this course with you, I am learning so much just by reading your inputs and personal experiences!

About the map exercise for 1.1, here is my take:

I really like how the map describes the locations of pastoralists, the types of animals they use and a brief description of herding practices. I found particularly interesting that only in Europe dogs are used! Is this really the case? I thought sheperd dogs were spread also in other regions of the world... 

I also appreciate that the map provides a clear definition of what pastoralism entails and the selection criteria that the authors used to individuate pastoralist communities around the world. Finally, it is great to see how biodiverse herding species are around the world!

As for the ecosystem services provided by pastoralism, these examples come to mind:

- In northern-west Germany, sheep are used to graze on dykes both to keep the soil well compacted but also to keep the grass from growing excessively. These could be considered supporting and regulating services.

- In some areas of Spain, herds are used to reduce biomass load and therefore actively promote wildfire regulation. This could also be considered a regulating service.

- Sheep meat and milk are at the core of the cuisine of central Sardinia (Italy). Timed with the slaughter of the sheep and the aging of milk, are often celebrations, rituals, festivities and occasions for local communities to meet. Here pastoralism activities cover provisioning and cultural ecosystem services.

Unit 1.1

Thanks to @David Olwa on our Zoom call and the Pastoralist Map, I think I have a better understanding of some key definitions:

• - Pastoralists manage their livestock on unfenced pastures or rangelands. They may be location-bound, practice transhumance, or be nomadic.
• - Ranchers manage their livestock on pastures or rangelands within a perimeter fence. They are location-bound.
• - Farmers raise livestock without using rangelands, and may not graze pasture at all. Livestock are kept in buildings or enclosures for part of their production cycle. Farmers are a stationary population.

What do others think of these definitions?

1.1.2 Three features of the map:

1. It defines pastoralism and related management practices (ranching, agropastoralists, and urban pastoralists).

2. It effectively illustrates that pastoralism is a global practice.

3. It highlights diversity in pastoralism by summarizing unique aspects from different regions.

1.1.3 Examples of ecosystem services:

Supporting services - Habitat: Grassland bird populations in North America have declined sharply since the 1970s due to habitat loss. Re-instating pasture management on abandoned farmland, and re-establishing native rangeland are two key actions that can increase available habitat and support bird populations. https://www.beco-birds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GrasslandBirdsInOntario_FactSheet_BECO.pdf

Regulating services- Carbon storage: Photosynthesis pulls carbon out of the atmosphere. Root exudates are a major mechanism to put carbon in the soil. These processes only happen when there are living plants in the soil. Perennial plants have a much greater capacity to put carbon in the soil than annual crops, which are more time-limited. Annual crops are also frequently grown in systems that disturb the soil through tillage, which releases carbon back to the atmosphere. Grasslands and rangelands are usually composed of perennial plants, and are rarely (if ever) cultivated. This makes them a very large carbon sink that can assist in mitigating climate change.   

Hi Cynthia,

I found David Olwa's comments on fencing in the chat during our Zoom call to be very helpful. Also, the definitions at the top of the Pastoralist Map clarified things for me. Ranching is not pastoralism, but it is a related pasture/rangeland management practice that is bound by a perimeter fence. In my "homework post" for Unit 1.1, I outlined where my thoughts are on these definitions and am hoping others will weigh in with their thoughts.

The  map  indicates that  pastoralism is embraced  in  different continents of the world. There are also livestock  kept   depending on the  suitability, cultural and economic importance. The map indicates the highest concentration is in Africa and Asia-  with Asia  having diverse types of livestock reared under pastoral system.

Hi Christine O Reilly, Please see these definitions for your understanding, extracted from FAO. 

Nomadism: Exclusive pastoralists are livestock producers who grow no crops and simply depend on the sale or exchange of animals and their products to obtain foodstuffs. Such producers are most likely to be nomads, i.e. their movements are opportunistic and follow pasture resources in a pattern that varies from year to year. This type of nomadism reflects, almost directly, the availability of forage resources; the more patchy these are, the more likely an individual herder is to move in an irregular pattern.

Transhumance is the regular movement of herds among fixed points in order to exploit the seasonal availability of pastures. In montane regions such as Switzerland, Bosnia, North Africa, the Himalayas, Kyrgyzstan and the Andes this is a vertical movement, usually between established points, and the routes are very ancient. There is strong association with higher-rainfall zones; if the precipitation is such that the presence of forage is not a problem, herders can afford to develop permanent relations with particular sites, for example by building houses. Horizontal transhumance is more opportunistic, with movement between fixed sites developing over a few years but often disrupted by climatic, economic or political change.

Agropastoralists can be described as settled pastoralists who cultivate sufficient areas to feed their families from their own crop production. Agropastoralists hold land rights and use their own or hired labour to cultivate land and grow staples. While livestock is still valued property, agropastoralists’ herds are usually smaller than those found in other pastoral systems, possibly because they no longer rely solely on livestock and depend on a finite grazing area which can be reached from their villages within a day. Agropastoralists invest more in housing and other local infrastructure and, if their herds become large, they often send them away with more nomadic pastoralists.

Rangelands and pastures provide diverse ecosystem services such as food production, raw materials, medicinal resources, freshwater, carbon sequestration, water regulation, erosion control, pollination, soil formation and so many others

The World map of pastoralists contains the following features; 

1. Global Representation of Pastoralist Groups: The map covers over 800 pastoralist groups worldwide, each defined by unique cultural identities, species, and management systems.

2. Variety of Livestock and Uses: Features diverse species like alpacas, camels, yaks, and reindeer, used for meat, milk, wool, transport, and landscape maintenance.

3. Adaptive Herding Systems: Showcases distinct practices, including nomadism, transhumance (horizontal and vertical), and location-bound herding, tailored to varying ecological and climatic conditions.

Some examples of ecosystem services provided by rangelands and pastures.

-       They contribute significantly to soil formation by promoting natural fertility processes, essential for plant growth.

-       The rangelands are reach with other none livestock products such as vegetables, honey, wild fruits among others.

-       They produce essential resources like meat, milk, wool, and hides, contributing to global food and fiber supplies.

-       Rangelands also provide wood for fuel and construction, particularly in rural areas.

-       Additionally, their natural filtration systems ensure clean water supplies, while serving as sources of medicinal plants that support traditional and modern medicine.

-       Rangelands play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks, storing significant amounts of atmospheric carbon.

-       These landscapes also manage water flow, helping to control flooding during heavy rains, thereby protecting downstream areas and human settlements from water-related damage.

-       They provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, wildlife observation, and eco-tourism, which contribute to local economies and mental health. 

Hi Rebecca,  

well explained! Beside the ecological functions /services, the rangelands and pastures also provide habitat wild animals and domesticated animals, also support livelihoods of millions of pastoralists who are completely dependent on livestock herding /grazing for their livelihoods.  The livestock provides important products for human use like Meat, milk, leather, wool, manure, bone, and hides etc.  So, pastoralists need productive rangelands for their livestock grazing. 

Dr. Khurshid,

I understand the FAO definitions of transhumance, nomadism, and agropastoralism. But I disagree that pastoralists must be mobile populations, and so does the Pastoralist Map.

I thought David's question about a boundary fence was profound in sorting out whether ranchers are pastoralists. A fence implies different land ownership and land access structures than unfenced pasture or rangeland. Location-based pastoralists likely graze land held in common, or accessed through traditional practice. Ranchers are location-based, but the land they graze on is fenced. The rationale is that the fence keeps the livestock where they are supposed to be, in locations where hiring herders is prohibitively expensive, and skilled herders may not exist in the local labour market. However, a perimeter fence also keeps other people and their livestock off that land, and the society's land ownership/access structure permit the rancher to do so. While the boundary fence is not the true definition of who is and is not a pastoralist, it speaks volumes as to the social structures that do define pastoralism.

Pasture is close to human, and rangeland is close to wild.

Task for Students: Some features of the World Pastralism Map

-          1. Extensive pastoralism system remains the most important livestock production system in Subsaharan Africa. NOIRAUD J.P. et al. (2020) reported that at least 73 pastoralist groups of Fulani tribes can be found in the area. The most common groups in the Central African Regions (Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Nigeria) are the HANAGAMBA group from CAR, the OUDHA group from Niger, the SILSILBE and the BOKOLO groups from Nigeria.

-          2. Nomadic herding is less practiced and many pastoralists are location-bound as they stay in places all year, allowing their animals to feed on nearby pasturelands (mostly around protected areas in Central Africa).

-          3. Rangelands both host wildlife and livestock.

Exercise for Students: Some examples of ecosystem services provided by rangelands and pastures.

In the Society for Range Management (SRM) Task Force Report, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005), Ecosystem services are defined as benefits people obtain from ecosystems. In fact, Rangelands support a myriad of associated benefits for human society, amongst which food and fiber, water, carbon, biodiversity and wildlife. Examples of ecosystem services provided by rangelands to rural households are milk and dairy products, honey, fire woods and traditional medicine. Another benefits are ecotourism and leasure that provide currencies to many countries in Susaharan Africa.

Díaz et al., (2015 & 2018) introduce the concept of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) as contributions from nature can be both positive and negative depending on cultural, economic, spatial, or temporal context. A negative example of ecosystem services is the human and animal mobility associated with rangelands and pastures exploitation as there are responsible for insecurity in some regions.

It's a great map of pastoralists. Three features of the map that stood out to me:

1. There were very few pastoralist groups spread across Arctic/Siberia and North Asia compared to the density of pastoralists within, for example, East Africa. I wondered if this was:

(a) Because the land is poorer (or possibly herds are larger?) so more land is needed to survive compared with areas in East Africa?

(b) Fewer pastoralist groups are known about (or have been registered) in the arctic/steppes/tundra compared to other areas - so what is being shown reflects differences in "recording of pastoralists" rather than true densities.

2. Really fascinating spread of different types of pastoralists and different species of animals across the world with some clear (and obvious) groupings in some places - eg llamas,vicunas, alpacas, guanacos in South/Central Americas and camels in parts of South Asia, Sahel and East Africa). However, cows and sheep seemed to be dominanat.

3. I did not know that there was such a thing as duck pastoralism before

Examples of ecosystem services provided by rangelands and pastures:

The habitat provides food for animals (wild or livestock). These animals can be sources of food and protein for humans. And in some cases this is the only way the land can really provide sufficient nutrients to support people.  In addition these animals may provide fibre and sources of fuel (via dung) also imporatnt for human survival. In a time of both a climate and biodiversity crisis the habitat is important for biodiversity and can act as a carbon sink. 

General reflection

It seems that issues of land ownership/tenure may be important?  Is the difference between a "rancher" and a pastoralist was that the rancher owned the land that their animals use (whether or not there are fences) whereas pastoralists typically use common land or maybe graze on the land of others at some times of year - eg graze on crop residue as a win for both the pastoralists (good fodder) and the farmers (animal dung as manure). However I see that there are further subtleties around this including agro pastoralists. In addition on the map of pastoralists sheep farmers in Cumbria are listed. These sheep are hefted to the land - that is individuals remain in certain areas without fences etc all their life and are only brought inside for mating (November) and clipping etc (July). The land they graze is common land and not owned by the farmers. 

The World Map of Pastoralists, illustrates the distribution of pastoralist communities across the globe, highlights three key features as follows:

1. 1. Geographical Distribution: The map shows the global spread of pastoralist communities, primarily concentrated in regions where climate and terrain are conducive to livestock grazing. These include large areas in Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Sahel region), Central Asia (e.g., Mongolia, Kazakhstan), the Middle East, parts of South Asia (e.g., India, Pakistan), and the Andes in South America. Pastoralism is particularly prevalent in semi-arid, arid, and mountainous regions where crop farming is difficult.

   
   

2. 2. Cultural and Ethnic Diversity: The map provides insights into the ethnic and cultural diversity of pastoralist groups. Pastoralism is practiced by a wide variety of peoples, including the Maasai in East Africa, the Bedouins in the Middle East, the Sami in Scandinavia, the Mongols in Central Asia, and many others. Each group has its unique traditions, languages, and methods of livestock management.

   
   

3. 3. Types of Pastoralism: The map often distinguishes between different types of pastoralism, including nomadic, semi-nomadic, and sedentary pastoralism. Nomadic pastoralists move seasonally or continuously with their herds, while semi-nomadic groups may have fixed homes but still move with their livestock. Sedentary pastoralists are those who stay in one location but raise livestock for milk, meat, and wool production in a more fixed way. These different systems of mobility and settlement patterns are represented across the map.

   
   

   
   

   Examples of ecosystem servives provide by Rangelands

   Rangelands, which are large areas of land dominated by natural vegetation (such as grasses, shrubs, and herbs) and primarily used for grazing, provide a wide array of vital ecosystem services. Some key examples include:

   
   

   1. Provision of Food and Livelihoods

4. - Grazing Resources: Rangelands provide grazing for livestock, which supports pastoral and agricultural economies, especially in regions where crop farming is not feasible. Livestock products such as meat, milk, wool, and leather are important food sources and economic commodities.
5. - Wildlife Habitat: Rangelands also provide habitat for wildlife, supporting diverse species of flora and fauna. In many regions, rangelands support populations of wild herbivores, birds, and insects, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.
6. 
   

2. Carbon Sequestration

• Rangelands act as carbon sinks, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in plant biomass and soils. Healthy, well-managed rangelands contribute to reducing greenhouse gas concentrations, mitigating climate change by storing carbon in soil organic matter and plant roots.
• 
  

3. Water Regulation and Filtration

• - Water Infiltration: Rangelands help maintain the water cycle by allowing rainwater to infiltrate into the soil, replenishing groundwater supplies. The deep-root systems of native grasses and plants improve water retention and reduce runoff, which can help prevent soil erosion and maintain water availability.
• - Water Quality: The natural vegetation in rangelands also acts as a filter, trapping sediments, pollutants, and excess nutrients from agricultural runoff before they can reach water bodies. This reduces the risk of water pollution and maintains water quality in nearby rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
• 
  

4. Soil Formation and Erosion Control

• Soil Protection: The plant cover in rangelands helps protect the soil from erosion caused by wind and water. Root systems bind the soil together, while plant cover acts as a barrier against the forces of wind and rain. Healthy rangelands, therefore, play a critical role in maintaining soil fertility and preventing desertification or land degradation.
• 
  

5. Cultural and Recreational Services

• - Cultural Identity: Rangelands are often central to the cultural practices and identity of indigenous and pastoral communities. Traditional grazing practices, rituals, and sustainable land management systems can be an important part of local heritage.
• - Recreation and Tourism: Many rangelands are also valued for recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and eco-tourism. They provide aesthetic and spiritual value for people who seek connection with nature or outdoor experiences.
• 
  

6. Biodiversity Conservation

• - Species Habitat: Rangelands host diverse plant and animal species, some of which may be endemic or endangered. Properly managed rangelands can contribute significantly to the conservation of biodiversity, serving as important ecosystems for pollinators, herbivores, predators, and other wildlife.
• - Genetic Diversity: In addition to supporting species diversity, rangelands contribute to the conservation of genetic diversity among both wild and domesticated species. The genetic diversity within plant and animal populations found in rangelands is vital for resilience to disease, climate change, and other environmental pressures.

Compelling Reasons for Overgrazing 

Excessive increase in the number of animals relative to the area of ​​land available for grazing leads to depletion of plants and the inability of pastures to regenerate. Failure to implement sustainable practices such as rotational grazing or leaving land for a period of time to regenerate leads to overexploitation. Recurrent droughts and low rainfall reduce pasture productivity, forcing livestock to graze intensively in limited areas. Also, expansion of human activities such as agriculture and settlements reduces the area of ​​land allocated for grazing, increasing pressure on remaining land. We note that in areas that lack clear laws regulating the use of pastures, these areas may be exploited in an unregulated and intensive manner. One of the important cause is the armed conflicts or social changes. This may force pastoralists to leave their original lands and move to new areas, increasing pressure on resources. Finally, some herders seek to increase their livestock numbers for short-term economic gain, which leads to the depletion of pastures.

How does overgrazing lead to the deterioration of rangeland biodiversity?

Overgrazing eliminates plants that are more palatable to animals, allowing less palatable plants or invasive species to take over the ecosystem. Also, constant pressure from animals compacts the soil, reducing its ability to hold water and air, thus impairing plant germination. Another cause is that removal of vegetation makes the soil vulnerable to wind and rain erosion, which leads to the loss of essential nutrients for plants.

Degradation of pastures reduces food and shelter sources for wildlife, leading to their numbers declining or their migration to other areas, whereas loss of plant diversity affects microorganisms, insects, and animals that depend on it, leading to the extinction or decline of many species. Finally, overgrazing turns fertile lands into barren lands unsuitable for plants or wildlife.

1.1.2 Three features of the map 

This map shows the global distribution of pastoralists and the types of animals they raise in different regions. The wide distribution of pastoralists in regions such as South Asia, Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Africa is a clear indication of the importance of pastoralism in these regions.

These areas are ideal habitats for pastoralists due to their unique topography and diverse ecological environments. For example, in glacier-covered areas such as the Arctic, herders choose to breed reindeer because they not only adapt to cold climates, but also serve as a means of transportation to help herders move quickly and find food in the snow.

Pastoralists in different regions have also developed their own livestock production methods based on the local ecological environment and climate conditions. For example, in arid and semi-arid regions, herders often choose drought tolerant livestock breeds such as sheep and camels to adapt to the water scarcity situation in these areas.

1.1.3 Example of ecosystem services:
Cultural ecosystem services -Recreation

With  vast natural beauty and serene environment, the rangeland is an ideal place for recreation. Visitors can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching and photography. In addition, the Rangeland offers unique experiences such as horseback riding and exploring grassland culture, making visitors to get in touch with nature and experience its unique charms, thus fulfilling its aim of providing ‘recreational’ ecosystem services.

China's Hulunbeier Grassland is one of the world's four largest grasslands and a natural pasture for many livestock. There are vast and boundless grassland landscapes here. People can ride horses on the grassland, or take a leisurely walk to enjoy the wild flowers and herds of cows and sheep in the distance. In addition, there are many traditional Mongolian cultural activities and performances on the grassland, such as horse racing, wrestling, songs and dances, which allow visitors to learn about Mongolian customs and traditional culture.

Friends, I may be inappropriate when I show my reservation of using ChatGPT to write reflection or comments in this Forum. I would rather request all to write original thoughts, experiences, articulations, etc. It is not necessary to write a comment just for the sake of writing. We are here not to express our capability, but to share the real-world experiences. Please consider this.

Pastures and pastoralism are a key aspects in supporting livelihood, ensuring that we have food sovereignty and security in our communities. Finally, this preserves our culture. 

For example; the maasai community with majority of the vast lands in Kenya and Nothern Tanzania are a major community who practice pastoralism particulary in the arid and semi-arid regions. This is a major challenge due to drought. The Maasai community are believed to migrate from one place to another is search for food and pasture especially during the dry season and this has greatly contributed to conflicts over resources.

Livestock, to the Maasai people are a sign of wealth and this is also used during dowry negotiations. The products in livestock such as milk, hides, blood and meat are a source of food and livelihood.

Current the Maasai community are facing various challenges such as land use changes and zoning regulations, Land tenure regularization due due changes in community land ownership to privately owned land, climate change vulnerability due to floods and drought, land grabbing especially with the development of urban centres especially in Narok Town where the Maasai live.

In conclusion, pastoralism is major eonomic activity for the Maasai people. Modern challenges need to have a proper policy framework for the protection of this community and their land to promote tourism. Sustainable Land management practice need to be put in place to tackle the issue of climate change which is a major disaster globally.

Rangelands provide an array of  ecosystem services that  supports  biodiversity such as :

1. soil  formation and  erosion  control,  

2.Pasture   for  livestock  and   wildlife

3..Habitat for  animals, and human

4.Carbon sequestration 

5.Herbal/ medicinal herbs,  shrubs and  fruits 

Christine, 

Open mobility is the main characteristic of mobile pastoralists, as they remain in mobility throughout the year and searching for suitable grazing land and water where they stay for few days/ weeks or even month and then start their mobility with portable tents, families and other assets. As far as the Ranchers are concerned, they use a particular fenced area without open mobility to use other grazing areas. In my opinion, the ranchers are not included in the pastoralists category. This may be a commercialized system in which ranchers have leased or purchased a particular area for their livestock grazing. 

The three fixtures of the World Map of Pastoralists:

1.  In some parts of the World ( Sahelo-Sahelian part of Africa for example), pastoralists are practising Nomadism;

2.  Another fixture is tranhumance (vertical and/or horizontal type) found in Central Asia and Himalyas for example;

3. The third fixture is ranching found in some parts of the Americas, Australia and southern Africa for example 

Some other examples of ecosystem services provided by rangelands and pastures 9in addition to those enumerated in the course material):

 Categories                                                                   Key ecosystem services

Supporting ecosystem services                                Wildlife    

Provisioning ecosystem services                              Forage production

                                                                                 Water for watering livestock, cultivation and irrigation 

Regulating ecosystem services                                Soil degradation and soil erosion 

Cultural ecosystem Services                                    Ecotourism 

Overgrazing is the dominant factor that affects rangeland productivity. The reasons for overgrazing are:
A, Human population growth
B, Landuse and/or landcover change
C, Bush encroachment which lead to grazing restriction
D, Climate change
Detail: I would like to know someone who can explain how climate change led to overgrazing
Overgrazing degrades Pasture's biodiversity in many means:
Grazers are selective in nature so desirable plants are hunted and degraded. Also, as grazing land is overgrazed undesirable plants dominate the area degrading biodiversity. As trample on affects soil, the habitat of soil microorganisms, this can also affect biodiversity. By creating a competitive environment, overgrazing causes to the migration of some animals and even some vegetation escape that result to degraded biodiversity

Pastoralism is one of the oldest forms of production practiced by human societies for thousands of years. It still occupies an important position in our societies,  food products such as milk and its derivatives, agricultural products such as organic fertilizers in hybrid pastoral agricultural patterns, and industrial products such as wool and leather. In addition to being the primary source of income for millions of people around the world.

Reasons for Overgrazing and how it degrades pastures biodiversity

Overgrazing stems from a combination of high livestock populations, climate variability, weakened traditional grazing systems, and insecurity that restricts livestock mobility, forcing animals to concentrate on limited pasturelands. This excessive pressure depletes palatable grasses, compacts the soil, and accelerates erosion, leading to the dominance of invasive, unpalatable species and a sharp decline in pasture diversity. As degraded land loses its ability to regenerate, it disrupts the ecosystem's balance, undermining the resilience of grazing systems to drought and further diminishing the productivity and sustainability of the rangelands.

1.1.2 Geographical Extent of Rangelands

Comment on the map: The graphics and the information on the map highlight the diversity of rangelands and pastoralism across the globe. On every continent, there is pastoralism. And their innovativeness, adaptability and sheer tenacity is a credit to them all. Yet if you look behind these images, I am certain you will find many common challenges facing pastoralists everywhere – climate change, urbanisation (not just of the land, but of the people and this means their lack of understanding of pastoralism) and governments more concerned about “quick returns” such as can be gained from mining.

A snapshot of Pastoralism in my region - the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia

The Southern Rangelands of Western Australia are characterised by minimal rainfall (average of less than 250 millimetres of rainfall per year) and nutrient-poor soils over much of the 53 million hectares that make up this region.

The critical element to note in this part of the globe is that hard-hooved large herbivores were never a component of the fauna of the natural environment in Australia.

Early European settlers, from as early as the 1800’s, brought livestock from their countries of origin. This made perfect sense to them, as they knew their livestock and how to manage them. What they did not realise was that the geography and climate of Australia was vastly different to anything they (or their livestock) had experienced. Gradually they adapted to this new land and the tenacity of our pastoralists and their livestock has resulted in a highly productive industry.

Early years saw the rise of the Merino sheep, prized for its quality wool whilst also providing meat. Cattle numbers have also grown and new breeds have evolved through selection for productivity and their ability to thrive in the hot, dry climate with more shrubs than grasses on which to graze. Goats have also been an important part of this industry, and the Merino sheep has slowly been outnumbered by Dorpers and Damaras (fat-tailed, shedding, sheep).

However, the impact of these hard hooved animals on the fragile ecosystems of the Southern Rangelands has not been insignificant. Interestingly, it is the government who have been slow to realise the scale of damage to the landscape, and until recently they required a pastoralist to carry minimum numbers of livestock (to justify the use of the land for pastoral purposes) which was, in reality, far more than should have been on these leases.

Yet the development of this land for pastoralism has also contributed to frequent overpopulation of native animals such as kangaroos. The provision of fixed water points has allowed them to flourish and this, in turn, contributes to overgrazing. In response, where practical, kangaroos are harvested for meat or hides, or simply culled.

Pastoral land is leased from the state government with mostly long-term leases (from a minimum of 18 years up to a maximum of 50 years). Pastoralists are not permitted to cultivate the land, or to use it in any way other than for grazing of livestock, unless they apply for a “diversification lease”. Even then, the conditions are strict so as to not impact the natural landscape. Which is ironic, given the myriad mining leases and activities across this region!

Our pastoralists are not nomadic, but have large lease-holdings (average size would be 200,000 hectares) with few fences. Water can be particularly scarce, and often it is quite saline. The remoteness of these pastoral leases can present particular challenges.

However, the development of technology – and the connectivity to use it – is rapidly changing how things are done. The improvement of management techniques and tools over the past couple of decades is quite astonishing, and our pastoralists deserve far more recognition for their efforts than is currently given.

1.1.3 Socio-Economic and Ecological Functions of Rangelands

To an outsider, the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia appear hot, dry, harsh and inhospitable. Yet this region supports amazing biodiversity, including some of the highest numbers of reptile species anywhere in the world.  The fact that this landscape can sustain livestock which provide food and fibre is nothing short of amazing.  It is also now being recognised for its amazing capacity to store carbon - a fact that has seen the development of carbon markets for many of our pastoralists.  Tourism is an important (mostly seasonal) industry also, with local towns and pastoral leases benefitting from the influx of visitors, particularly during peak "wildflower season". 

 

hello to you all,

I have a comment

the text mentioned that the Rangeland contribute about 25% of the world while the video talk about 50%!!!

We should focus on the overall content. Video is subscribed from YouTube. Moreover, depending on the criterion of classifying a rangeland, different people quote different data of the rangelands globally. For example, Americans mostly include wilderness lands as rangelands, hence the data of total rangelands on Earth changes. Therefore, please, we need to skip such things and move ahead. 

Compelling reasons of overgrazing, and how it degrades pasture's biodiversity:

-land use changes such as agricultural land, urban areas and / or industrial sites.

The Netherlands, where I presently reside, is a country in complete control of its land. Every inch has been considered, and manipulated for efficiency. As a very small country with a very large population, this was necessary to support the local population and propel a tremendous export trading system, including vegetables and sheep for their meat. The country has been neatly parceled into agricultural, industrial and residential areas. Agricultural farming priorities, and their design of small rectangular fields with small dykes for fencing are part of the Dutch landscape identity. This parceled landscape does not allow for roaming animals.  There have been attempts to bring in roaming 'wild' cows and horses to National park and dune lands, but has not been overly successful. Their roaming range is small and, as for example, with horse populations rising there is not enough food to be grazed. Some of these horse populations are starving, and causing many debates as to what to do next.  Additionally, a system of nature corridors with dedicated overpasses was constructed in the 1990's (don't quote me on when exactly) to allow more space for these and other wild animals to roam safely, and without interruption. This rather bright idea was to join up with other systems in bordering countries, but without long-term support, and the finances needed the system has stalled.

Encroachment of Invasive Species such as plants and animals:

The protection and re-introduction of the wolf: In France, and in The Netherlands, shepherds are very disturbed about the return of the wolf. At the Transhumance Festival in Die, France, there are great concerns from shepherds experiencing new massacre-like behaviour, very unlike what they have known and planned for: a selective kill, and a certain amount of attacks per year. The shepherds are asking for new research into the current wolf situation, and to consider why the wolf is behaving in such a way. Could it be related to climate change, over grazing, encroachment of human activities? It's very possible. I am curious if others here in the course are experiencing the same situation?

• overgrazing can  be attributed  to by many factors which include:

1. overstocking of  livestock  beyond the land carrying  capacity- this  lead  to overgrazing  and   eventually  degradation of the  landscape. Overstocking occurs  when  pastoralists keep large herds of  livestock  for  cultural /prestige  reasons  without putting  into  consideration the  changing  climatic  conditions such  as  erratic  rainfall that  results  to biodiversity loss 

2. Diminishing  grazing  lands  due  to changes in Land uses and yet the livestock  numbers  remain  the  same -  For  example  in Kenya Kajiado  County  most of the  Group  ranches ( communal owned  grazing  lands)  have  subdivided  the land into  smaller parcels. This has   resulted to  individual landownership  and this has led to changes in land use  since  some of the  community members have  sold and land is being utilised  for  agriculture or real estate  development. 

3. Encroachment of  pasture lands by invasive species has also increased overgrazing. This is because pasture land  has  decreased  through  encroachment  by unpalatable plant  species  but the livestock population remains the   same. The pastoralists  refer  to this as ' green  drought' since  even  when use GIS to monitor the vegetation cover in these areas , it looks great  whereas  there's no pasture. For  example  in Kenya  Kajiado County  has  Ipomea  Carnea  and Prosophis juliflora that  have enchroached on  grazing lands .

4. Inadequate capacity  of the  pastoralists  to know the land carrying  capacity and embrace  sustainable beef models  to avoid  keeping  many livestock  for a long period of time.

Overgrazing   degrades  diversity because it  destroys the  existing  plant, animal  and  microorganisms in the   soil that are important  for   regeneration and promotion  of  soil  health as  well as keeping the balance in the ecosystem.

Reasons for overgrazing:

1. Overgrazing occurs when the number of livestock exceeds the available forage supply for grazing.
2. The frequency with which animals are grazed in a particular area plays a significant role.
3. Timing is crucial; if animals graze in an area for prolonged periods or during sensitive stages of grass growth, it can lead to overgrazing.
4. When animals are allowed to graze after being confined for a long time, they typically deplete their body reserves. If not managed properly, they may excessively graze to fulfill their nutritional needs, leading to overgrazing.

The consequences of overgrazing include land degradation. The removal of above-ground biomass, which acts like solar panels, negatively impacts root growth and ultimately reduces forage production.

Hello Liben,

For example when there is prolonged drought due to climate change/climate variability there will be reduced grazing resources including water and therefore the livestock will over graze on those reduced grazing resources hence over grazing. also when floods have covered a larger are in the low lands, the highlands will be over grazed because that is the only grass available. 

I hope this helps

This is to your request on how climate change causes over grazing 

Cynthia, a great insight about the Netherlands' planned land use. I think free roaming of animals cannot be imposed where the scope for such mobility is remote. So, it is Netherlands. However, such a system may not be replicated in Greece, for example. And, in African continent, to me, it is almost impossible. Thus, pastoralism is already location-specific and exists in diversity of its versions. 

Dear Friends, I have created a new Topic "P-001 Case Study Work", please attend that. 

Dear all, I am asking myself if natural and intentional overgrazing exists.

Reasons for Overgrazing and how it degrades biodiversity:

A high concentration of animals e.g., around watering points or wells can cause degradation and soil erosion, as the trampling and intensive feeding on vegetation leads to bare soil. Wind and water will carry topsoil away and erosion can happen with a complete loss of vegetation and biodiversity.

Around kraals or within villages a high number of livestock can temporarily concentrate during night for keep them safe from predators or thefts. Important is then mobility or a management of sending animal in different directions for grazing not to cause loss of biodiversity or rangeland Degradation.

Having only one type of livestock, only cattle or only browsers like goats and camel in the area in high amounts produced a high grazing pressure on specific types of plants and vegetation as animals are selective grazer and browser. Other plants will dominate, or invasive species could spread widely and reduced grazing resources and biodiversity of the vegetation and other species. 

Reasons of overgrazing and how it degrades pastures’ biodiversity

Pastoralists prefer to accumulate livestock numbers such that they are considered rich, however in that process, it leads to increased livestock numbers/population and hence the beginning of over grazing especially if they are grazed in the same area all throughout. this is also common within the corridors used for exit and entry into the kraals or homesteds and the same in watering points. and example is seen around Kobebe valley tank in Moroto, Karamoja, Uganda where big numbers of livestock from Matheniko, Turkana of kenya converge to drink water

Land use changes - a clear example here is when the government of Uganda some few back promoted opening land for crop production, many of the rangelands within the karamoja region were affected and hence they reduced in size and therefore the livestock concentration in shranked ranges led to over grazing. when there are many land uses, the rangelands are always affected and tend to reduce which can not manage to feed the overgrowing number of livestock.

Hydro-logical drought/water scarcity - when there is scarcity of water, livestock tend to concentrate so much around the available water points hence reducing the vegetation in  those areas.

Land demarcation due to change in land ownership system. for example from customary to another form. this leads to fencing and restricting access of livestock in such areas and hence pastoralists tend to concentrate the grazing activity to the only available land hence depleting the grazing resources in those areas. 

Overgrazing degrades pastures biodiversity in the following ways -  causing soil erosion and soil degradation, soil compaction due to over trampling, loss of plant diversity through elimination of palatable species, Habitat destruction for example for birds among others.

Unit 1.3

Overgrazing happens when livestock are allowed to graze pasture plants at a time when they are not biologically prepared to recovery efficiently from defoliation. During a normal recovery cycle, perennial pasture plants draw on energy reserves to regrow leaves, grow those new leaves, and then replenish their energy reserves of starch or fructans. Overgrazing is caused by either a) keeping livestock in one place for too long (enabling them to graze regrowth as it emerges) or b) bringing livestock back to the same paddock or patch too soon in the plant's recovery cycle.

In pastoralist systems, the likelihood of overgrazing increases as competition for grazing land increases due to fragmentation, land use conversion, and barriers to access. These challenges increase the likelihood that herds may be held in one location longer, or that different herds will pass though the same patch in much closer succession than is ideal for the plant life. Mismanagement can also cause overgrazing.

Plants that are preferentially grazed by livestock will be weakened by repeated overgrazing. Eventually they will be unable to recover and will out-competed by other plants. This can lead to a loss in biodiversity and a reduction in forage production.

Hello, Dr. Ute,

I completely agree with point one - A high concentration of animals e.g., around watering points or wells.

Sometimes i do not agree that high population numbers can cause degradation/overgrazing - its all about the concentration in one area due to scarce resources. imagine if we had many watering points in an area, at least livestock could be divided into numbers that can not cause overgrazing and of course if one doesn't practices rotational grazing like the pastoralists do then an area becomes over grazed. 

How does overgrazing affect environment and pasture resources?

Overgrazing, defined as excessive livestock pressure on grasslands, causes a series of serious ecological problems that impact both the environment and pasture resources. This practice interrupts the equilibrium of ecosystems, degrade vegetation cover and soil health, and worsen the challenges posed by climate change. The impacts of overgrazing are clearly evident in fragile regions such as the African Sahel, where rangelands play a critical role in supporting livelihoods and maintaining ecological balance.

The adverse effects of overgrazing can be outlined as follows:

Overgrazing leads to vegetation degradation and loss of biodiversity. Intensive grazing pressure reduces palatable plant species, leading to a decline in overall plant diversity and favoring the dominance of less desirable or invasive species. This change in vegetation composition reduces habitat suitability for wildlife, ultimately declining biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The removal of vegetation cover through overgrazing leaves the soil exposed and susceptible to erosion by wind and water. The loss of fertile topsoil reduces the land's productivity and can lead to desertification. Furthermore, the compaction of soil caused by livestock trampling hinders water infiltration and root development, further worsening degradation processes.

Overgrazed pastures exhibit reduced capacity to regulate the water cycle. Sparse vegetation cover leads to increased surface runoff and decreased water infiltration, impacting groundwater recharge and potentially contributing to both floods and droughts. Degraded pastures, with reduced vegetation cover and soil organic matter, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through the release of carbon dioxide. The conversion of overgrazed lands to croplands can further intensify deforestation and carbon emissions.

Overgrazing weakens the livelihoods of communities’ dependent on livestock production by lessening the long-term availability of forage resources. This can lead to reduced livestock productivity, economic hardship, and potential conflicts over declining grazing lands. Mitigating the unfavorable effects of overgrazing necessitate the adoption of sustainable grazing management practices. These include implementing rotational grazing systems, restoring degraded pastures through reseeding and soil conservation measures, and adjusting livestock numbers to match the carrying capacity of the land. Integrating these approaches with community engagement and supportive policies is crucial for restoring pasture health and fostering ecological resilience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of rangelands.

Finally, overgrazing, a phenomenon characterized by excessive livestock pressure on grasslands, has negative ecological impacts on both the environment and pasture resources. This unsustainable practice disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems, reduces valuable plant life, degrades soil health, and worsens the effects of climate change. These impacts are particularly severe in vulnerable regions like the African Sahel, where grasslands are vital for supporting both people and wildlife.

Three features of the world pastoralist map

1. Map brings out the different types of pastoralists and the different species of animals. I was impressed by how cattle and sheep are dominant across the world.

2. The major reason why pastoralism is being done is for the provisioning services the rangeland/pastureland offers to humans (eg food, transport, and wool)

3. Nomadic herding is less practiced with many pastoralists across the world being location-bound in some sort of way.

Examples of ecosystem services provided by rangelands and pastures.

- Providing grazing/forage resources for both livestock and wildlife.

- Rangelands and pastures are habitats for different species.

- Recreational environment

Students’ Task
Enlist compelling reasons of overgrazing and how it degrades pastures’ biodiversity.

The northern Region of Cameroon represents one the most important pastoralism area within the central Africa. Unfortunately, the region witnesses serious climatic threats amongst which seasonal floods and drought. In addition of its important local herd, the region receives thousands of cattle from neighboring countries (Chad, CAR and Nigeria). The region is therefore characterized by overgrazing, one of the major environmental issues that leads to land degradation.

Overgrazing occurs when plants of a particular habitat are exposed to excessive grazing for extended periods of time without sufficient recovery for regrowth of forage on pasture lands. In the absence of interventions to mitigate the dangers of this phenomenon, the vicious cycle only worsens. According to World Wildlife Organization, overgrazing can reduce ground cover, enabling erosion and compaction of the land by wind and rain. This reduces the ability for plants to grow and water to penetrate, which harms soil microbes and results in serious erosion of the land.

Overgrazing is also one of the most common causes of loss of biodiversity which in turn leads to disruption of the ecosystem. Repeated overgrazing leads to defoliation and more than half loss of flora diversity. This causes a decrease in leaf surface area, the principal intake of solar energy in the ecosystem. This causes plants to pull more nutrients from the soil in order to grow more leaves, leading to a decrease in soil fertility. Overgrazing can be responsible for irreparable damage to the root system. The decreased surface area of leaves is insufficient to carry out photosynthesis to provide adequate energy for the maintenance of the root system. Thus, leading to a decline in plant root health over time.

Regular overgrazing in pastures leads to weakened top soil integrity, which in turn leads to soil erosion. It causes nutrient depletion in the soil. When grazing sources are limited, farm animals tend to bunch up together while feeding. The hoof pressure of these animals causes compaction in the soil. This reduces water infiltration and drainage, which further decreases soil fertility. The composition of species in the pasture will also begin to shift after years of overgrazing. This will lead to an increase in weed and forb growth. In the long run, these changes will eventually lead to desertification.

Common solutions to overcome overgrazing include:  (i) sustainable grazing management such as rotational, cell, mob or holistic grazing can be used to avoid overgrazing; (ii) Introducing plants with shorter growth cycles; (iii) Avoiding livestock to graze in the same spot every day as this decreases the rate of plant growth from that particular spot and (iv) Setting up an adequate land and livestock management strategies such as agroecological practices that lead to an increase in plant productivity and result in better animal health. Such practices are storing fodder in the form of hay, straw, silage, compressed and pelleted feeds, sprouted grains and legumes for livestock, moving the herds out of the pasture and separating them in different paddocks before pasture regrowth begins, drawing up a grazing chart that helps to plan and implement rotational grazing.

The Importance of Rangelands and Pastures 

Rangelands and pastures are important ecosystems that benefit both people and the environment. They cover large parts of the Earth, especially in dry and semi-dry areas. Their value goes beyond providing grass for animals, as explained below: 

1. Supporting Services: Rangelands help protect soil from erosion and keep it in good condition. They also recycle nutrients by breaking down organic matter, which mixes with the soil and helps plants grow. 

2. Provisioning Services: These areas provide food for livestock, supporting the livelihoods of many people around the world. They also supply medicinal plants, wood for fuel, and materials for building, like posts and poles. 

3. Regulating Services: Rangelands help the environment in many ways. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which helps reduce the effects of climate change. They also improve water absorption into the soil, which reduces flooding and runoff. Plus, they make the air cleaner by capturing dust and small particles. 

4. Cultural Services: Rangelands are part of the cultural life of many communities. Pastoral groups often use these open spaces for traditional ceremonies and dances. Rangelands are also popular for tourism activities, such as safaris in Africa and bird-watching trips.

5. Biodiversity Conservation: Many plants and animals, including some that are endangered, live in rangelands. These areas provide habitats for wildlife and help maintain a balance between predators and prey, which is essential for healthy ecosystems. 

Compelling reasons for overgrazing

Overgrazing occurs when livestock graze on the land for too long. This may be because

1. grazing occurs for the same amount of time as in other years but there are more animals than previously - ie herd size has increased but the area of land available has not changed. The number of animals may have increase because of reason 2 below so more come to existing areas

2. there are the same number of animals as previously but the animals can not move onto anywhere else when they usually would because other land is not available. This could be :

* for human reasons:

     * due to land use change (eg agriculture, urbanisation,)

      * because pastoralists are no longer allowed access to other land for example it is now a wildlife conservancy or it has become a private ranch or farmers no longer want them grazing on the land

* for environmental reasons such as climate change

   * the land they used to move onto is no longer suitable (maybe no rains so forage has not grown) 

  * or longer accessible e.g. flooding means they can't cross to particular areas or too dry may mean that the watering holes are no longer available

3. the land is degraded (e.g. due to poor rains) and so it cannot support the same number of animals for the same length of time as it used to

How does overgrazing degrade biodiversity?

1. By eating more of their preferred vegetation it may not be able to  survive and recover in future years

2. The livestock may then need to eat other plants. These may not be so good for the animals but also may respond less well to grazing pressure and so die and not come back

3. By reducing plant resources available (1 & 2 above) this will impact on insects (and birds) that rely on the plants for nutrients and so lead to a decline in these species. These species may also perform other ecosystem services that are fundamental to a functioning ecosystem but with the species declining this may not be possible leading to a further decline in both vegetation, animals and insects

4. Overgrazing will lead to increased dung which will change the soil composition and therefore impact on plants and insects

5. Overgrazing will mean more physical pressure from hooves. This may have a very negative impact on soil structure which also impacts on insects and plant roots.

Pastures in Kyrgyzstan

Pastures and livestock play a significant role in Kyrgystan, both economically and culturally. 93% of its territory is occupied by the mountain ranges of Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai, which are covered by wide natural pastures and rangelands. Therefore, the livestock is a primary source of income for rural communities. Histroically Kyrgyz people were nomadic and kept this way of life for centuries. The nomadism of the Kyrgyz people was associated with moving across the pastures in search of better grazing conditions, which allowed them to adapt to the harsh natural conditions of Central Asia. In summer they settled in highland areas, and in winter - in lowlands. This made it possible to make optimal use of natural resources such as grasslands. However much has changed in terms of pastoralism since that time. After the collapse of Soviet Union which included Kyrgyzstan, pastoral practices underwent huge transformations.  Currently pastures and rangelands are facing numerous challenges. The rise of livestock numbers, chaotic use of pastures without using any rotational grazing system and weak governance of pasture management contributed to the degradation of many rangelands and pastures.  This situation is exacerbated by climate change. The rise of livestock, the degradation of pastures is leading to the human wildlife conflict as pastoralists shifting to the upper zones of highlands which is a home for flagship species such as snow leopard and its prey base. If the pastoralism will not be regulated thoroughly, it may lead to the destruction of the country’s entire mountain ecosystem. 

The technology mentioned in this podcast may help in your region to minimize the water conflict.

https://artofrange.com/episodes/aor-109-atmospheric-water-generation-and-rangeland-grazing-david-stuckenberg

Features

- spread of pastoralism

- species diversity

- and use diversity/ cultural

Pastoralism is an ecologically sustainable production system that provides a range of ecosystem services, such as the conservation and restoration of biodiversity on pasture lands and soil fertility in grasslands, and the supply of food and animal by-products to markets. Pastoralism has shown a high capacity to adapt to variable climatic conditions and has overcome external shocks. The consequences of climate change – rising temperatures, prolonged droughts or changes in seasonality – affect the availability of pastures and reduce water sources.

I think that a major problem of overgrazing is low cattle prices, which promote increases in the carrying capacity of rangelands to achieve a halfway decent life. These low prices occur because modern markets are designed for large-scale productions working with external inputs, shifting costs and subjugating biological and ecological processes. Other reasons also involve: (i) land use change (eg agriculture, urbanisation); (ii) exclusion to other communal land (for example private ranch or farmers no longer want them grazing on the land, war zones); and (iii) changes in environmental conditions such as climate change (floods, droughts, land degradation, etc.)

The impact on vegetation is mainly due to the successive regrowths being grazed, impacting more severely on species less tolerant to grazing, and excessive trampling of the most sensitive species.

Hello everyone, the first task was to mention three features about the World Map of Pastoralists. 

I believe it is a fascinating guide that highlights the diversity of pastoralist communities and their cultures around the world. It shows the different mechanisms used in pastoral systems, such as large-scale or small-scale herding, vertical transhumance or seasonal transhumance. The map also provides details about the animals bred in these systems, like sheep, goats, camels, or reindeer, depending on the region. Additionally, it reflects the geographical diversity of pastoralism, from arid deserts to high mountain ranges. This map is not only a geographical tool but also a way to understand how diverse and unique these communities and their traditions are.

I represent the Central Asian region, where a vertical transhumance is a traditional pastoralist system with herders move their livestock between lowland winter pastures and highland summer pastures based on seasonal changes. This system is well-suited to the region's mountainous geography and harsh climate.

Herders in countries like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan often move livestock such as sheep, goats, yaks, and horses along these routes. The practice is deeply connected to their culture, involving family participation, traditional knowledge, and community cooperation. Vertical transhumance not only ensures sustainable use of grazing resources but also plays a key role in preserving the cultural identity of Central Asian pastoralist communities.

Thank you everyone, and see you all on the class.

Klara Dzhakypbekova

Overgrazing happens when livestock is grazing multiple times in the same spot, at a rate that is faster than the rate of regrowth of local vegetation. 

This can lead to many kinds of biophysical damages, such as decrease in leaf area, damages to root systems, soil erosion and compaction and a reduction in the biodiversity of local species. If damages persist, a shift in species composition as well as higher competition with wildlife may also happen. 

There are many reasons that lead pastoralists to manage livestock in a way that causes overgrazing. Some of these reasons are:

- Forced sedentarization

Especially in the recent past, in some areas of the world, such as in the Middle-East, there has been a push towards sedentarisation of nomadic communities, which often leads to the sendentarisation of their livestock too. Deprived of their traditional ways, nomadic communities forced to settle, may allocate their animals to areas too small, leading to overcrowding and overgrazing.

- Economic pressures -> increase of herd numbers

Increased prices for essential goods,  a decrease in price of livestock, and/or an increase in demand of livestock-based goods (e.g. Cashmere wool) lead pastoralists to increase the number of individuals in their herds, exceeding the carrying capacity of local ecosystems.

- Change in environmental / bio-physical elements

Sometimes changes in landscape (e.g. floods, slavines, drought, fire), force pastoralists to use only a smaller proportion of the landscape they usually visit with their animals. Over time, this may lead to an over use of local resources.

Personal comment

I looked a bit more into the literature on overgrazing and I couldn't find any resource that went into the values, rules and knowledge that lead pastoralists to overgrazing practices. Cpuld anyone suggest a good paper in this direction?

Yes, I agree that pastures and pastoralism play a critical role in the ensuring livelihoods and food security for livestock farming households particularly in the rural communities. However, the more I have interacted with pastoralists in Uganda from Karamoja region as well as across various pastoral districts including Kiruhura, Mbarara, Isingiro, Nakasongola and Nakaseke, the more I have realized that pastoralism is a way of life, it defines the socio-cultural frameworks and moral fabric of the pastoral communities. It is governed by rules that guide intrahousehold, intracommunity and inter-tribal relationships so as to minimize conflicts and ensure peace and security in the pastoral communities. Pastoralism is a source of social capital, identify, preservation and sustainability of the cherished social norms and values. 

Reasons of overgrazing and how it degrades pastures’ biodiversity

In the Karamoja sub-region, the Karimojong pastoralists prefer to keep a large number of livestock and the more animals one has, the more status, purely prestige, however, in that process, it leads to increased livestock numbers/population and hence utilisation of pastures, the pastures get depleted fast.

During the dry seasons, this becomes a problem, the youthful adults are sent out as emissaries to scout areas of good pasture and this means leaving some animals behind for milk while driving the rest to areas identified. The most centralised locations where animals are driven during the dry seasons include the Kobebe rangelands, Longor dam, Arecheck dam and Apeitolim near the Teso region and outside the Karamoja subregion include the Teso and Acholi rangelands.

Therefore the livestock concentration in shrank ranges leads to overgrazing. when there are many land uses, the rangelands are always affected and tend to reduce which can not manage to feed the overgrowing number of livestock.

Drought/water scarcity - when there is a scarcity of water, livestock tend to concentrate so much around the available water points hence reducing the vegetation in those areas. also, the concentration on one water point leads to its breakage and repair and maintenance of the water facility becomes a problem. A tour of the water sources utilised by pastoralists highlighted management and capacity gaps regarding the operation and maintenance of these facilities.

Overgrazing degrades pastures' biodiversity in the following ways - trampling due to over-concentration leads to soil erosion and soil degradation and soil compaction, also loss of plant diversity through elimination of palatable species, and Habitat destruction for example for birds among others.

1.1.2 Three Features of the Map

1- This map shows the global distribution of pastoralists and the types of animals they raise in various regions. It highlights the significant role of pastoralism in areas such as South Asia, Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Africa.

2- These regions are ideal for pastoralists because of their unique landscapes and diverse ecological conditions. For example, in icy regions like the Arctic, herders raise reindeer. Reindeer are well-suited to the cold, providing transportation and helping herders move easily through snowy areas in search of food.

3- Pastoralists adapt their livestock practices to the local climate and environment. For instance, in dry and semi-dry regions, they raise drought-resistant animals like sheep and camels, which can survive with limited water.

1.1.3 Example of Ecosystem Services:

Rangelands, with their natural beauty and peaceful environment, are perfect for recreation. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, camping, birdwatching, and photography. Unique experiences such as horseback riding and exploring grassland culture connect people with nature, offering relaxation and enjoyment.

For example, China’s Hulunbuir Grassland, one of the world’s largest grasslands, is a natural home for livestock. Visitors can ride horses, walk through the grasslands, and admire wildflowers and grazing animals like cows and sheep. Traditional Mongolian cultural activities, such as horse racing, wrestling, singing, and dancing, also allow visitors to experience and learn about Mongolian customs and traditions. These features make the grassland a great destination for recreation and cultural exploration.

Features on the Map

-Expanse of Pastoralism around the globe

- Pastoralist diversity and cultures with different pastoral systems  from arid to high mountainous areas

- Various animal types kept by different pastoral groups

Overgrazing is a result of carrying capacity of pastures not being able to sustain the livestock numbers present at that time

Overgrazing is associated to factors like overstocking due to economic pressures or inadequate planning.

poor grazing management either as lack of knowledge on rotational grazing or over staying animals in an area leading to vegetable depletion

land use conflicts, which intensify grazing pressure on limited areas.

Climate change and drought reduce plant growth, leaving insufficient forage.

Socioeconomic pressures and a lack of awareness or training also compel unsustainable grazing practices.

Overgrazing Impacts on Biodiversity leading to soil degradation through erosion exposing soil to compaction, loss of fertility, vegetative cover loss, and reduced species diversity, favoring resistant species and invasive plants. It also disrupts ecosystem functions, including nutrient cycling and pollination, and diminishes habitat quality for wildlife, further reducing biodiversity

1.1.3 Ecosystem Services are very diverse. besides offering a peaceful environment  they are supportive, cultural, regulatory and provisioning i.e;

-Provisioning services provide essential resources like food, water, and raw materials. For example, Uganda's lake Victoria not only provides fish but a habitat supporting aquatic life, grass lands and vegetative cover supporting fauna and flora as well as rich arable land supporting farming. China's Yunnan region is rich in medicinal plants

-Supporting services sustain ecosystems by providing nutrient cycling, soil formation, and habitats

-Cultural services offer non-material benefits like recreation, spiritual value, and knowledge for example the Maldives' coral reefs boost eco-tourism, Mountainous areas all over the world offer  recreation  like hiking, zip lining etc Game parks/reserves offer great tourism.

-Regulating services include climate and air quality regulation and flood control. Congo and central African large  forests sequester CO₂ to combat climate change, wetlands in the Netherlands protect against floods, and Kenya's Mau Forest improves air quality by filtering pollutants

 Therefore, valuing and protecting ecosystem services promotes sustainability and helps address critical environmental challenges

Pastoralism & Conflicts
Pastoralism plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystems and preserving cultural heritage, especially in regions like Sudan. In areas such as Darfur, seasonal migrations following rainfall are essential for accessing fresh pastures but have become sources of conflict due to poorly maintained routes. Strategic management and restoration of these pathways are crucial to preventing clashes between nomads and farmers, ensuring peaceful coexistence, and sustaining livelihoods.

Mahgoub Suliman Mohamedain (PhD)_Sudan

Associate Professor at College of Forestry and Range Science

Sudan University of Science and Technology

Dear Isaac, dear colleagues,

thank you for your comment. Yes, I agree, it is all about mangement the ressources, but also the number of livestock. And mobility or rotational grazing patterns prevent overgrazing and degrastation. 

I saw water points in South Africa and Namibia in dry season, or prolonged dry season, with many animals using it daily. There was nothing green around them and no vegetation, bush, shrubs etc. left. The soil was bare and was prone to wind and water erosion.

Destocking would be a recommended measure, and improving the management. Under a situation of drought and very scarce ressources, it is not easy to handle a good management.  Additional, in these 2 Countries there is few communal land left, most of the land is under private property regimes and these are huge farms, which are fenced. 

I did my research for my PhD in Agriculture in 2 communal areas with communities on Communal grazing and browsing ressources at Universtiy Giessen, Germany (2011)  in Namibia.  Research was additionally carried out in the Richtersfeld Area of North-West South Africa. A very challenging environment. 

With best regards, Ute 

Very nice insights about Australian pastoralism.