Pastures Threatened by Overgrazing

Excessive grazing is rapidly eroding the vegetation cover of national pastures that provide a lifeline for thousands of nomads and villagers, according to an ISNA report published on Thursday. "Pastures constitute over 52% of our national lands and are home to more than seven thousand plant species," the report said. "Figures show that pastures are being grazed 2.2 times over [recoverable] capacity, while the livelihood of 916,000 rural and nomadic families depends on them." An overflow of livestock farmers has made it difficult to oversee and control overgrazing. It has led to a vast degradation of lands, drastically reducing their natural vegetation. Fodder shortage, in turn, can raise the farming costs, ultimately pushing up the prices of dairy products, the report warned. Excessive grazing can also result in soil erosion, more destructive floods, more frequent dust storms, loss of underground water resources and a decline in the production of herbal medications. A shift from traditional to industrial and semi-industrial farming, systematic inspection of pastures in protected areas and control over communicable diseases can help preserve wildlife and prevent the destruction of ecosystems.