Overgrazing

– Ecological impact
– Overgrazing increases soil erosion
– Degradation from overutilization leads to poor soil conditions
– Native grass species are vulnerable
– Excessive browsing can displace native plants
– Biodiversity decreases due to overgrazing

– Economic theory
– Overgrazing is an example of the Tragedy of the Commons
– Common land regulations limit grazing
– Unregulated land use leads to degradation
– Historic common land use in England and Wales was regulated
– Custom and practice conserved resources

– By region
– Africa-Sahel region
– Overgrazing exacerbates conflicts in Nigeria, Mali, Sudan
– Land degradation worsens violent herder-farmer conflicts
– Sahel region faces overgrazing consequences
– 2010 Sahel famine linked to overgrazing
– Sub-Sahara Africa
– Overgrazing in Namibia leads to woody plant encroachment
– Ecological effects seen in various Sub-Sahara African countries

– By region (cont.)
– Australia
– Overgrazing by sheep and cattle in arid zones caused plant loss
– Feral species worsen threat to flora and fauna
– Extinction and endangerment of bird species in Australia
– Kangaroo cull in Australian Capital Territory due to overgrazing
– Ecologist Maisie Carr studied overgrazing in Australia

– See also
– Land degradation linked to overgrazing
– Desertification can result from overgrazing