Part 2: Basic Rangeland Ecology

What is Rangeland?

Rangelands are

• Usually associated with grasslands and savannas in arid and semiarid regions of the world
• Land dominated by grasses, forbs, and shrubs
• Approximately 770 million acres or about 40% of the United States landmass
• The principle grazing areas for wildlife and livestock
• Lands that serve as watersheds
• A setting for recreation including hiking, camping, and fishing.
• An economic resource
• Often areas of great biodiversity

Examples of rangeland in the United States

• Grasslands of the Great Plains
• Savannas of Texas and Florida
• Cold and hot deserts throughout the western US
• Alaska’s tundra
• Alpine grasslands throughout the country