Characterization, Mapping, and Monitoring of Rangelands: Methods and Approaches

While there are many definitions of rangeland, the central theme of all these is that it is land on which the dominating vegetation is mainly grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, shrubs, and isolated trees. Rangelands include shrublands, natural grasslands, woodlands, savannahs, tundra, and many desert regions. A distinguishing factor of rangelands from pasture lands is that they grow primarily native vegetation, rather than plants established by humans. Rangelands are also managed mainly through extensive practices such as managed livestock grazing and prescribed fire rather than more intensive agricultural practices and the use of fertilizers. Rangelands worldwide are known to provide a wide range of desirable goods and services, including but not limited to livestock forage, wildlife habitat, wood products, mineral resources, water, and recreation space. Large populations depend on rangelands for their livelihoods, hence effective monitoring and management is crucial for sustainable production, health, and biodiversity of these systems.