Rangeland suitability for grazing sheep, goats and wildlife in rangeland of Lar Absar in Mazandaran

Background and objectives: Rangeland suitability for livestock grazing is assessed by scoring criteria for vegetation, water resources and soil erosion. In this study, the suitability of Lar Absar rangeland in Mazandaran province for grazing domestic animals and herbivorous wildlife grazing was investigated. Many researchers have examined pasture suitability for grazing cattle, sheep, goats, and camels; But very little research has been done on grazing for wildlife (along with livestock). The purpose of this study is to calculate the actual rangeland suitability for livestock grazing so that high efficiency and more effective management can focus on the rangeland. Such an investigation has not been done for that area. Methodology: The present study was conducted in a part of Haraz River basin, Mazandaran province, Amol city, Larijan section, Lower Larijan village, Lar Absar rangeland. In July 1398, sampling was carried out in the area representing plant types in a systematic random method with the establishment of two 100-meter transects and 10 plots of one square meter in each plant type; Production of grazable plant species was measured by cutting and weighing. Type and statistics of wildlife were received from Mazandaran Environment Department. The type of plants used by each animal was also determined by asking the shepherds. Plant species palatability was determined for wildlife using different sources. The recommended coefficients for usage of plants class I were> 0.50, for class II was 0.30 and for class III was 0.20. The list of plant species was written in each plant’s type and the coefficient were used to determine the percentage of palatability for each animal in each plant type. In the above-mentioned guidelines, vegetation criteria, water resources and soil erosion were examined. Results: According to the list of plant species in Lar Absar rangeland, 76 plant species from 24 families were identified; Of these, Poaceae and Asteraceae families with 13 and 12 plant species, respectively, have the highest abundance. The results show that wheatgrass and chicory families are predominant among other plants. These plants are important for livestock (35); And provide a large portion of livestock feed (10). The results of this study showed that after the wheat and chicory families, the mint and legume families are abundant in the rangeland. The results showed that the suitability of different plant types for livestock grazing is different and the factor that reduces grazing suitability (domestic livestock and wildlife) is the slope. Plant type 7 is good for grazing livestock and plant type 2 (Fe.ov-On.co) is good for grazing sheep and for other types of livestock. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems that Lar Absar rangeland is suitable for grazing domestic animals and wildlife. Pasture grazing wildlife is not limited to wild goats and whole rams and wild ewes; Other animals, such as deer, deer, etc., may also graze in the pastures. The difference is the slope, which is a topographical and environmental factor. Therefore, it can be concluded that grazing of livestock and wildlife is possible together and management can provide a correct planning with high efficiency by classifying pasture slope.