People and Grassland - PDF

PEOPLE AND GRASSLAND GRASSLAND BIOME Grassland biomes consist of large open areas of grass. Trees can be present, but they are infrequent. They are maintained by grazing animals and frequent fires. Types of grasslands include savannas and temperate grasslands. Grasslands often lie betw...

PEOPLE AND GRASSLAND GRASSLAND BIOME Grassland biomes consist of large open areas of grass. Trees can be present, but they are infrequent. They are maintained by grazing animals and frequent fires. Types of grasslands include savannas and temperate grasslands. Grasslands often lie between forests and deserts. GRASSLAND BIOME PRECIPITATION Grasslands receive around 500 to 900 millimeters (20 – 35 inches) of rain annually. GRASSLAND BIOME VEGETATION Grasses (prairie clover, salvia, oats, wheat, barley, coneflowers)  The prairies of the Great Plains of North America, the pampas of South America, the savanna of South Africa, the steppes of Central Eurasia, and surrounding the deserts in Australia Other Found on every continent except Antarctica  FACTORS THAT MAINTAIN GRASSLAND In grassland regions, the climate is ideal for the growth of grasses only. The low precipitation rates nourish grasses but not enough for a forest of trees.  FACTORS THAT MAINTAIN GRASSLAND Frequent fires also help maintain grassland ecosystems. Grasses are well adapted to grow back after a fire.  FACTORS THAT MAINTAIN GRASSLAND Grazing by animals Large animals, such as African elephants, can also trample the ground and discourage the growth of trees. WHY DO THEY MATTER? Herds of Wildlife Grassland ecosystems can support high densities of grazing animals. They are home to many familiar and fascinating species that live in herds, including zebras and antelopes, and the predators that prey on them, like lions and cheetahs. NATIONAL GRASSLAND National Grasslands are rich in mineral, oil, and gas resources. They also provide diverse recreational uses, such as mountain bicycling, hiking, hunting, fishing, photographing, birding, and sightseeing. The Forest Service is working to promote public awareness of the importance of forests and grasslands to human well-being. Locations of National Grasslands. NATIONAL GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEMS PROVIDE SERVICES THAT: Disperse seeds Protect soil from erosion Mitigate drought and floods Protect watersheds, and stream and Cycle and move nutrients river channels Detoxify and decompose waste Pollinate crops and natural Control agricultural pests vegetation Maintain biodiversity Provide aesthetic beauty Generate and preserve soils and Provide wildlife habitat renew their fertility Provide wetlands, playas Contribute to climate stability Provide recreation Regulate disease-carrying Provide research opportunities organisms  THREATS Grassland landscapes are sensitive to disturbance. Many have been changed forever as humans have moved in and plowed the land to make room for farms, replacing wildlife with herds of livestock and hunting and killing key species.  GRASSLAND THREATS CONVERSION TO AGRICULTURE Most of the world’s grasslands have been converted from natural landscapes to fields of corn, wheat, or other crops.  GRASSLAND THREATS GRASSLANDS EXPOSED TO OVER-GRAZING Overgrazing can be defined as the practice of grazing too many livestock for too long a period on land unable to recover its vegetation.  GRASSLAND THREATS CHANGES IN SPECIES COMPOSITION The plants and animals that live in a grassland are connected through a vast web of interactions.  GRASSLAND THREATS HUNTING Grasslands are home to some of the most magnificent animals on the planet—elephants, bison, lions—and hunters have found them to be enticing prey. HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE AND SUSTAIN GRASSLANDS? 1. Understand Ecosystem Dynamics: Gain a thorough understanding of the local grassland ecosystem, including plant species, soil types, and water availability. Recognize the ecological importance of grasslands for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and soil health. HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE AND SUSTAIN GRASSLANDS? 2. Implement Sustainable Grazing Practices: If the grassland is used for grazing, adopt rotational grazing techniques to prevent overgrazing. Allow resting periods for grasses to recover and regrow, and manage stocking rates to align with the land's carrying capacity. HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE AND SUSTAIN GRASSLANDS? 3. Restore Degraded Areas: Implement restoration efforts in areas that have been degraded due to human activities or natural processes. This may involve reseeding native grasses, controlling invasive species, and addressing erosion. HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE AND SUSTAIN GRASSLANDS? 4. Prescribed Burning: When appropriate and under controlled conditions, use prescribed burning to mimic natural processes and maintain the health of grassland ecosystems. This helps control invasive species, promote native plant growth, and reduce accumulated thatch. HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE AND SUSTAIN GRASSLANDS? 5. Avoid Habitat Fragmentation: Prevent the fragmentation of grassland habitats through urban development or agricultural expansion. Maintain larger, contiguous areas to support biodiversity and ecological processes HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE AND SUSTAIN GRASSLANDS? 6. Promote Biodiversity: Encourage the coexistence of different plant species by providing a variety of habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and grassy patches. HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE AND SUSTAIN GRASSLANDS? 7. Monitor and Research: Regularly monitor the health of grasslands through ecological assessments, wildlife surveys, and soil quality tests. Research local conditions and gather data to inform management decisions. HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE AND SUSTAIN GRASSLANDS? 8. Community Engagement: Involve local communities, landowners, and stakeholders in grassland management decisions. Raise awareness about the importance of grassland conservation and encourage responsible land use practices. HOW SHOULD WE MANAGE AND SUSTAIN GRASSLANDS? 9. Policy and Regulation: Advocate for policies and regulations that promote grassland conservation, discourage habitat destruction, and support sustainable land use practices.  THE END THANK YOU!