An overview of the vegetation conditions of winter rangelands in Fars province (Case study: Kenarlo Khorjehnu winter rangeland)

Winter rangelands in the south and west of Fars Province are vital for providing forage during the cold seasons for the Qashqai tribe. However, up-to-date and accurate information on these rangelands is scarce. To address this gap, this study thoroughly examined the conditions of these rangelands through field research, focusing on the Kenarlo Khorjehnu winter rangeland in western Fars Province. The study assessed the rangeland's status, trends, vegetation types, carrying capacity, and plant composition and provided a floristic list. The dominant vegetation type was identified as Convolvulus acanthocladus - Amygdalus lycioides, which is in poor condition and showing a negative trend. Heavy and continuous grazing, along with recent severe droughts, have threatened many palatable species, leaving them with low vigor and vitality. In contrast, unpalatable and invasive plants are advantaged and increased in this rangeland. The amount of usable forage is 52 kilograms per hectares, and 5 hectares of this rangeland is required to support the feeding demand of one animal unit during a 6-month grazing period. However, the current livestock numbers exceed this capacity, highlighting the need to reduce or adjust the stocking rate. Additionally, applying effective management practices to enhance forage production is essential. Given the presence of wildlife in the Kenarlo Khorjehnu rangeland, it is also crucial to preserve the habitat and maintain biodiversity.

An overview of the vegetation conditions of winter rangelands in Fars province (Case study: Kenarlo Khorjehnu winter rangeland) Keywords:

Wildlife , Four-Factor Method , Rangeland Trend , Rangeland Condition