Pastoral Development and Research in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia.

Abstract

This article describes the pastoral development in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, first for sheep grazing and more recently for cattle. Vegetation changes due to the grazing regime and to a changed fire regime were profound. In coastal lands these vegetation changes are non-reversible but inland the disclimax rangeland has responded to a cycle of summer fires and grazing defer ments. This research on grazing management has led to more nutritious pastures and subsequent research on sheep management has led to enhanced reproduction. However, market forces have worked to claim the increase in rangeland productivity for cattle. The interaction between domestic livestock, rangeland condition and certain of the native fauna is discussed.