Grazers on the plains: challenges and prospects for large herbivores in Central Asia.

Published online
03 Jun 2009
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Journal of Applied Ecology
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2664.2009.01654.x

Author(s)
Mallon, D. P. & Jiang ZhiGang
Contact email(s)
d.mallon@zoo.co.uk

Publication language
English
Location
Qinghai & China & Tibet & Central Asia

Abstract

Twelve species of large herbivores dwell on the steppes of Central Asia and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Three of these species once occurred in vast herds in the three major rangeland ecosystems of the region. Populations of all species are now diminished, some reduced to a point close to extinction, mainly due to overharvesting and habitat loss. The rate and effectiveness of hunting increased steadily throughout the second half of the twentieth century. Major social and economic changes that occurred across the region during the last 20 years have further accelerated the declining trend. Synthesis and applications. Conservation of these species over the long-term presents a challenge, especially across the spatial scale required for the migratory and nomadic species. Immediate efforts are urgently needed while substantial numbers remain and extensive tracts of habitat are still intact.

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