Total grazing pressure–a defining concept for extensive pastoral systems in the southern rangelands of Australia
R. B. Hacker A D , K. Sinclair B and C. M. Waters CA Ron Hacker Rangeland Consulting Services, 29 Edward St, Tenambit, NSW 2323, Australia; formerly NSW Department of Primary Industries, Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, Trangie, NSW 2823, Australia.
B NSW Department of Primary Industries, Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute, 1243 Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar, NSW 2477, Australia.
C NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange Agricultural Institute, 1447 Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: ron.hacker@crt.net.au
The Rangeland Journal 41(6) 457-460 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ19026
Submitted: 2 May 2019 Accepted: 27 August 2019 Published: 12 February 2020
Abstract
In Australia, particularly in the southern rangelands, large populations of native and feral herbivores (including kangaroos, goats, rabbits, pigs, donkeys and camels, depending on the location) co-exist with domestic livestock. In recent decades the concept of ‘total grazing pressure’ has been developed, and widely accepted, to denote the total forage demand of all vertebrate herbivores relative to the forage supply. This concept provides a framework within which both domestic and non-domestic species can be managed to allow commercially viable livestock production, landscape maintenance or restoration and species conservation. The concept should have relevance wherever pest animal control programs, biodiversity conservation, or commercialisation of wildlife are conducted in conjunction with extensive livestock production. The rationale for the compilation of the Special Issue is outlined.
Additional keywords: pest animals, social licence, sustainable land use, vertebrate herbivores.
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