Spatialization method of grazing intensity on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: A
case study of the Selinco basin
Abstract
: The problem of grassland degradation resulting from livestock
production at the expense of local grasses has become a serious
environmental problem worldwide. To maintain livestock production and
sustainable grassland development, a better grasp of the extent and
intensity of grassland utilization needs to be realized. We developed a
model to monitor the intensity of grazing in a typical grazing area
(Selinco basin) of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Based on combining the
number of livestock at the township scale with their matching livestock
habitat area and location, the biomass consumed by livestock was then
assigned to the productivity supply map (NPP) by a mathematical
iterative algorithm from the perspective of different foraging habits of
different livestock. The objective is to more accurately measure the
overall grazing pressure on the pasture as well as to estimate livestock
pasture utilization. The model has confirmed that there are obvious
spatial differences in the intensity of grassland utilization in the
Selinco basin, which is significantly lower except in the southwestern
region. Overall grazing area derived from the statistics on the pixel is
150, thousands km 2. Among them, the area of moderate
grazing area is 130, thousands km 2, accounting for
87% of the total grazing area, and the area of overgrazing area is 20,
thousands km 2, accounting for 13% of the total
grazing area. Our model can quantify human activities spatially and
provide a reliable and accurate scientific basis for livestock
production development and ecological environment management.