Analysis of Rangeland vegetation using Remote Sensing
Shigeru Takahata
Tropical Agriculture Research Center (Japan)
Introduction
Based in human history, hunting/collection and grazing had originated in Eurasia. Even now, it is estimated that there are about 20 million km2 of drylands where approximately 500 million people. Sheep and goat grazing which originated in the Middle east has a long history of more than 7,000 years. Old stone mosaic pictures in ruins showed the ancient fauna. The inhabitants drew many kinds of animals including lion, wolf and elephants which dies out a few thousand years ago in the Middle East. The existence of these animals suggested that fertile grasslands were abundant in this area, with presently, a poor fauna and floors persist. Although the change of climate can be ascribed to this degradation, prolonged unsuitable land use resulted in the depletion of the rich grasslands. Generally speaking, there is a growing awareness that the global environment is being threatened, with the spread of desertification. The development of measures for the prevention of desertification should be promoted for the continuation of pastoralism and for the conservation of the environment. The currently study aimed at evaluating the conditions of the steppe using Remote Sensing, to monitor the process of desertification.
Outline of the test site :
This study was conducted in the Maragha National Range (Syria) which is located at 35 33’ N, 37 41’ E. (fig. 1). Annual rainfall is estimated at about 200mm, and rainfall is mainly distributed in winter (December – March). The growing season of vegetation occurs during the period February to April after rainfall.
Fig 1 Map of Syria
A model diagram of yearly supply of food for sheep is shown in fig. 2. The animals depend on the steppe for about 42% of the total supply. Recently, cultivation for crop fields has expanded in the northwest around the Maragha Nat. Range.
Fig 2 Model diagram of yearly supply of food for sheep
