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Grazers on the plains: challenges and prospects for large herbivores in Central Asia
Article first published online: 28 APR 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2009.01654.x
© 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 British Ecological Society
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How to Cite
Mallon, D. P. and Zhigang, J. (2009), Grazers on the plains: challenges and prospects for large herbivores in Central Asia. Journal of Applied Ecology, 46: 516–519. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2009.01654.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 28 APR 2009
- Article first published online: 28 APR 2009
- Received 3 March 2009; accepted 10 March 2009Handling Editor: E.J. Milner-Gulland
- Abstract
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Summary
- 1Twelve species of large herbivores dwell on the steppes of Central Asia and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Three of these species once occurred in vast herds in the three major rangeland ecosystems of the region. Populations of all species are now diminished, some reduced to a point close to extinction, mainly due to overharvesting and habitat loss.
- 2The rate and effectiveness of hunting increased steadily throughout the second half of the twentieth century. Major social and economic changes that occurred across the region during the last 20 years have further accelerated the declining trend.
- 3Synthesis and applications. Conservation of these species over the long-term presents a challenge, especially across the spatial scale required for the migratory and nomadic species. Immediate efforts are urgently needed while substantial numbers remain and extensive tracts of habitat are still intact.