A critical review of degradation assumptions applied to Mongolia's Gobi Desert

Addison, J., Friedel, M., Brown, C., Davies, J. and Waldron, S. (2012) A critical review of degradation assumptions applied to Mongolia's Gobi Desert. Rangeland Journal, 34 2: 125-137.


Author Addison, J.
Friedel, M.
Brown, C.
Davies, J.
Waldron, S.
Title A critical review of degradation assumptions applied to Mongolia's Gobi Desert
Journal name Rangeland Journal  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank B)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2012
Sub-type Review of research - research literature review (NOT book review
DOI 10.1071/RJ11013
Volume number 34
Issue number 2
ISSN 1036-9872; 1834-7541
Start page 125
End page 137
Total pages 13
Place of publication Collingwood, VIC, Australia
Publisher CSIRO Publishing
Language eng
Abstract Several assumptions about the levels and causes of rangeland degradation in Mongolia are widely accepted by a range of stakeholders. These assumptions have become important in terms of guiding strategies and policy directions. This paper provides a critical analysis of five widely-held assumptions about rangeland degradation in Mongolia to the more specific case of the rangelands of the Gobi Desert. These assumptions are: (i) there are too many animals; (ii) the relative increase in goat numbers has led to desertification; (iii) rainfall is declining; (iv) there is declining pasture biomass; and (v) Mongolian rangelands are degraded. Biophysical and social data from the Dundgobi and Omnogobi desert steppe areas suggest not all of these assumptions are supported all of the time, and that the processes upon which these assumptions are based are often more complex or dynamic than is commonly recognised. In designing policy and programs, more attention to these dynamics and complexities is needed.
Keyword Climate
Desertification
Goats
Gobi
Livestock
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Review of research - research literature review (NOT book review
Collections: School of Agriculture and Food Sciences
Official 2013 Collection
 
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