Grazing cessation – more supporting evidence for a rangeland management strategy in the face of climate change (Briefing 3.4)

Abstract

Increased grazing stocking rates currently exceed the carrying capacity of dry rangelands. Without long-term sustainable management strategies, large areas may lose their economic and floristic value. Our results show that climate change will increase the prominence of plant species more commonly found in drier regions of the Middle East. Drier regions, and species from drier regions, are affected more by heavy grazing, and would therefore be affected dramatically by a drying environment under current grazing rates. Grazing cessation for a short period, or a longer term reduction in grazing pressure, will result in a higher plant-density on the rangelands, thereby maintaining fodder and soil quality further into the future.