Hot arid rangelands: Forage resource base utilization and conservation

Abstract

Rangelands in hot arid region have been the backbone of traditional pasture based livestock rearing activity which is the mainstay of the economy of the rural often nomadic or semi-nomadic population. Although majority of rangelands in the arid region are degraded, yet they are major forage resource base for both livestock and wild animals in the region. If, somehow, these degraded rangelands are rehabilitated with suitable adapted indigenpous species of forage importance, the gap between forage supply and demand can be at least leveled up with added environmental benefits. An attempt is being made in the paper to scan through the diffused literature, highlights the important forage species, their sustainable utilization and identifies the future research needs.