Grasslands

Grassland (steppe, praire)

Tremendous biodiversity with grasses dominant
Temperate or Tropical
Low rainfall prevents forests
Trees in small groves usually near rivers
Typically have a dry time of the year so prone to fire
27% of Earths land
Often called rangeland (pasture if fenced)

Why is the Cerrado named

this way?

Threats

Threats
Poor management

Overlogging
Overgrazing
Overuse

Erosion
Conversion to crops like
sugar cane

Can lead to
desertification

Common Land Problems

Who is responsible for the land?
What happens when land is available for public use
(grazing)?
Tragedy of the Commons
Privately held land in the hands of few people

Sustainable Use
Grazing fees on public lands to pay for restoration
Rotational grazing
Land reform

Review Questions
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Page 274: 3, 4