Transformation of traditional pastoral livestock systems on the Tibetan steppe

The rangelands of the Tibetan steppe cover an extensive area of Asia, which is comprised of a diversity of cold deserts, semiarid steppes, shrublands, alpine steppes, and moist alpine meadows. The climate of these rangelands is strongly continental, and most of the steppe is arid to semiarid. The Tibetan steppe is the source of many of the major rivers of Asia, and has a rich flora and fauna with many endemic species. This unique region has been traditionally used for transhumant grazing by yak, sheep, and goats. During the last 50 years, management of these rangelands has undergone major shifts from feudalism to collectivism to privatisation of livestock with individual grazing rights. Characteristics of the Tibetan steppe are described and discussed in relation to these management changes with emphasis on impacts on the land resources and herders’ livelihoods.