Evaluation the suitability of the Darmian mountain rangeland in South Khorasan to exploit the potential of beekeeping

Background and objectives: One of the most common functions of rangeland is beekeeping, which can be developed to improve the livelihood of rangeland beneficiaries and their better participation in range management. Many studies have been conducted regarding the identification of attractive species for beekeeping; however, less research has been done on evaluating the suitability of rangeland for beekeeping. Therefore, the current research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the suitability of mountain rangeland in South Khorasan for beekeeping. Methodology: For this purpose, based on the values of ecological, economic, social and environmental criteria and indicators, the suitability of rangeland for beekeeping was determined. Ecological indicators were calculated by taking statistics of vegetation in 60 two-meter square plots located along 200-meter transects. Climatic information was also obtained from the nearest meteorological station. Distance from water sources, distance from road and different classes of land slope were also considered as environmental indicators. The limitations and potentials of the region to exploit the potential of  beekeeping were evaluated from the point of view of users and experts by designing a set of questions in the form of Likert scale. From the integration of maps in the GIS environment and based on the FAO limiting factor approach (common method of determining rangeland suitability), the final suitability map for exploit the potential of  beekeeping based on good (S1), medium (S2), low (S3) and non-suitability (N) was prepared. Results: According to the list of plant species in Darmian rangelands, 85 plant species are distributed in the rangeland of the region, of which 65 species were identified as attractive species for honey bees. Plants with attractiveness class III and II, with 42.8 and 30.2 % respectively, have the highest presence in the plant composition, and in all plant types, the share of class I plants was small. Most species belonged to Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Leguminosa families. Based on the results, 7661.8 hectares (56.1%) of the rangelands area of ​​the region, in the middle competency class (S2), 274.9 hectares (2%) in the low competency class (S3) and 5717.4 hectares ( 41.9%) are in the inappropriate category (N). Temperature and relative humidity in the highlands of the region, the attractiveness index of plant species with humidity downstream of the region and socio-cultural problems such as; Lack or absence of knowledge related to beekeeping; are the limiting factors of land suitability for beekeeping. Plant composition, wind speed and in some plant types, long flowering period as well as good market for honey consumption, were among the factors that increase the competence and sustainability of this profession in the region.   Conclusion: : Considering that most of the area of rangeland (56.1%) have good suitable (S2) in terms of beekeeping; bee breeding can be used as a supplemental livelihood to increase the income of pastoralists and improve their economic situation. In this regard, with the holding of training courses and the support of the government to provide facilities, the motivation of beekeepers to reduce livestock will increase in return for the income from beekeeping.