tain optionsforthefuture. capacity ofthelandtoproducelifeandmain- line istoprevent thelossofinherent will beseriouslydiminished. The basicguide- overall potentialforallbiodiversity ity onmaintainingsoilsandecosystemfunctions. Without thesefeatures, of rangelandscienceandmanagement. in ecosystemfunctioning.Biodiversity conservation efforts arebeingfocusedonusingthecollective knowledge rangeland professionalsareworking toimprove theunderstandingofrolespecies andlifeformsplay tained, research beyond thelivestock grazingfocus. To find ways thatnaturalresourcescanbebothusedandmain- monitoringefforts and has justbegun. Differing andexpanding views ofbiodiversity arerequiringinventories, there tified anddeveloped. To guaranteetheavailability ofpotentiallygeneticallyvaluable rangelandresources, future. Plantsadaptedforrevegetating areasfollowing disturbancessuchasminingandfire willneedtobeiden- tion andrevitalize ecosystemfunctioning. Geneticresourceswillbecomemorevaluable forrestorationinthe The bestway tominimizespecieslossismaintainecosystemintegrity acrosslandscapesbyplacing aprior- The taskofquantifyingbiodiversity ofrangelandsandplanningmanagementtoaccommodate thesevalues The abilitytosustainbiodiversity willdependonhow successfultheefforts aretomaintainandrestorevaria- What istheFuture ofBiodiversity onRangelands? affecting ecosystemrecovery thanthemorevisibleones. more importantformaintainingecosystemfunctionor species isneeded. These lessnoticeablespeciesmaybe non-vascular plantsandmicrobes. An inventory ofthese there isalackofsimilardataoninvertebrate animals, but and vertebrate speciesandwherethey arelocated, isolated anddecliningpopulationsofrangelandspecies. is aneedtodevelop managementtechniquestoprotect Information isavailable onmany rarevascular plant 1001-903-2500 W p277-314. Implications forRestorationandManagement.” C.H.FlatherandS.McCanny. “RecentBiodiversity Patterns intheGreatPlains: C.H., Sieg, Development and World Ecology Biological Diversity To RangelandSustainability.” C.H.andSieg. “Application ofMontrealProcess Criterion1-Conservation of Flather, ScienceandPolicy”, 1991.“Biodiversity Studies: andE.O. Wilson, P.R., Elhrich, W U.S.Environmental Protection Agency,Anon. “ThreatstoBiodiversity intheUnitedStates.” CO.1991. Keystone, Center, Keystone AReportofaKeystone Policy Dialogue,” Anon. “BiologicalDiversity onFederalLands: and editedbyLoriHidinger. isbasedonaninvited symposiapaperbyNeil West This issuepaper“Biodiversity ofRangelands” p2-13. s,N.E.“Biodiversity onRangelands.” est, D.C.1991. ashington, lands. We invite youtocontactusat: managingandsustainingthevaried resourcesofrange- conserving, scientific organization whosemembers areconcernedwithstudying, The SocietyforRangeManagement(SRM)isaprofessionaland www.rangelands.org •[email protected] , 00 Vl7 ubr2 p81-96. Number2, 2000. Vol 7, Society forRangeManagement All photos courtesy ofUSDAAll photoscourtesy NRCS 4 no ld Suite230 445 UnionBlvd, F aeod CO80228 Lakewood, or More Information: J Resource List ournal ofRange Management 303-986-3309 Great PlainsResearch The InternationalJournal ofSustainable , 99 Vl9 Number2, 1999. Vol 9, , 1993. Vol 46, Number 1, Number 1993. Vol46, Science 253:758-762.
Biodiversity of Rangelands the knowledge willbe usedtoprotectthevast rangelands oftheworld. areworking toimprove theunderstandingofbiodiversity sothat groups, inpartnershipwiththelivestock industryand environmental managers, mental changeandinvasion ofnon-native species.Rangescientistsand globalenviron- lossofspecies, landusechanges, by reductioninhabitat, ve aswellfortheservicesbiodi- aestheticandeconomicreasons, moral, va mountainmeadows anddeserts. The tundra, shrublands, sagebrush steppe, aglnssa ait feoytm nldn rslns savannas, Rangelands spanavariety ofecosystemsincludinggrasslands, riety oflifeanditsprocessesonthem(biodiversity) isimportantfor rsity provides tosociety. Rangelandbiodiversity isconstantlychanging An IssuePaper Created Bythe Society forRangeManagment What is Biodiversity? Why is Biodiversity Important? grazing can be significant for some groups of animals. Wide-ranging vertebrates, Biological diversity (biodiversity) includes all living organisms (plants, animals, Biodiversity is important for four basic reasons: morality, aesthetics, economics and the services that it pro- particularly predators and carrion-eaters, have been the most visibly impacted ani- microbes, etc.) and the genetic differences among them. It exists at species, com- vides to society. Many people believe there is a moral or spiritual obligation to protect their fellow creatures. mals on rangelands. Several species are jeopardized by activities related to livestock munity, ecosystem and landscape scales. People like to see and appreciate the living parts of nature as it often adds to the interest, value and quality of grazing management including the grizzly bear, Mexican wolf and black-footed ferret.
Genetic Diversity is the variation in the genes of rangeland plants, animals and their lives. There are many direct benefits to people and our economy from biodiversity such as foods, fibers, On the other hand, some rare species are favored by grazing. For example, the other organisms. Genetic diversity within species contributes to biodiversity at forage for grazing animals, medicines, fuel, building materials and industrial products, as well as recreation and mountain plover nests only in heavily grazed short-grass steppe ecosystems. This higher levels. With the exception of plants used in cultivation, there is not much hunting. The least understood, but most important, value of biodiversity is the array of environmental benefits bird probably evolved with bison influences that only cattle can now widely known about the genetic diversity of most rangeland species. Fortunately, new provided by natural ecosystems. Essential ecosystem benefits provided by rangelands include maintaining the replace. Livestock can be used to actually enhance conservation of particular techniques are becoming available to accelerate the understanding of rangeland composition of the atmosphere; mitigating climate and moderating weather; creating, fertilizing and stabilizing species or plant communities and structures. genetic diversity. soils; disposing of wastes; cycling nutrients; storing and purifying water; and providing natural control of dis- Grazers influence community diversity by eating select plant species and tram-
Species Diversity is the variety of species (plants, animals and other organisms) eases and pests to name only a few. Loss of biodiversity can negatively influence the quality and quantity of pling plant species with different abilities to respond. Moderate grazing and on Earth. The perception that rangelands have low biodiversity is false. A wide these benefits. trampling usually increase the diversity of plants by decreasing the ability of any variety of plants, animals and other organisms can be found on rangelands. The What is the State of Biodiversity on Rangelands? one plant species to become dominant and exclude other species. Grazing can create problem is, there is not an accurate accounting of many of the components of A major threat to biodiversity is the reduced size of contiguous habitats. Most of the world’s rangelands with gaps in the plant community, making light, moisture and nutrients more available. diversity except for select plants, birds and mammals. sufficient rainfall for growing crops have been converted to agricultural land. In other areas, irrigation using The effects of grazing on plant community diversity depend on the grazing intensi-
Community Diversity is the variety found in groupings of species (communi- imported water or groundwater has been implemented on traditional rangeland areas. In the U.S., more than ty, evolutionary history of the site and climate. If grazing is excluded, the number ties). This diversity includes how many species and which ones are in a 50% of the ecosystems determined to be critically endangered are grasslands and almost 25% are shrublands. of species may increase in the short-term, but may decline in the long-term because community (richness), as well as how many individuals of each species are present relative to other species Rangeland that is marginal for agricultural, urban the system itself changes. It may develop into a system that is less able to withstand other disturbances such as (dominance). Management actions, including protection, on rangeland communities involve positive and nega- and industrial development remain less fragmented drought and fire. Rangeland professionals use a combination of management actions, such as grazing and pre- tive trade-offs between species that benefit from those actions and those that do not. Rangeland managers can than many other ecosystems but even low levels of scribed burning to enhance landscape diversity by creating patterns of different communities across the alter what species and how many individuals of each are present by using management tools such as changes to fragmentation may negatively impact some species landscape. In addition, large tracts of land owned or managed by livestock operators can assist in protecting bio- livestock grazing or fire regimes. and the function of some rangeland communities. diversity by maintaining contiguous habitat.
Ecosystem Diversity is the variety of ecosystems (biological communities plus the physical environments Maintaining sufficient area in each type of range- An increasing threat to rangeland biodiversity is invasion by non-native species, which can cause many facets with which they interact). The diversity of species, life forms, lifecycles and strategies for growing and repro- land is necessary to sustain biodiversity on all of biodiversity to change. For example, as cheatgrass from Eurasia became a more common component of sage- ducing, affects the micro-environment energy flow and nutrient cycles for each ecosystem. levels. brush steppe ecosystem, the nutritional quality of available forage was reduced, the intensity and frequency of
Landscape Diversity is the variety and patterns of ecosystems and communities across a hillside, watershed or Rangeland professionals have long been interest- fires changed, and water cycles of these ecosystems were altered. Several native animals, the sage grouse in par- region. Changes in landscape patterns influence a variety of features including patterns of use by animals, water ed in the complex relationship between grazing ticular, have declined because of these changes. Simply removing livestock will not reverse these trends, so and nutrient cycles, and physical surface disturbances and soil erosion. and rangeland biodiversity. Grazing is an important process in many rangeland ecosystems. Grazing can have rangeland scientists and managers are working on techniques to restore these invasive-dominated ecosystems to both a positive and negative impact on biodiversity on all levels. Continuous heavy livestock and/or large animal a more diverse and durable state. grazing and trampling can adversely impact some rare plant species’ population. The indirect effects of heavy What is Biodiversity? Why is Biodiversity Important? grazing can be significant for some groups of animals. Wide-ranging vertebrates, Biological diversity (biodiversity) includes all living organisms (plants, animals, Biodiversity is important for four basic reasons: morality, aesthetics, economics and the services that it pro- particularly predators and carrion-eaters, have been the most visibly impacted ani- microbes, etc.) and the genetic differences among them. It exists at species, com- vides to society. Many people believe there is a moral or spiritual obligation to protect their fellow creatures. mals on rangelands. Several species are jeopardized by activities related to livestock munity, ecosystem and landscape scales. People like to see and appreciate the living parts of nature as it often adds to the interest, value and quality of grazing management including the grizzly bear, Mexican wolf and black-footed ferret.
Genetic Diversity is the variation in the genes of rangeland plants, animals and their lives. There are many direct benefits to people and our economy from biodiversity such as foods, fibers, On the other hand, some rare species are favored by grazing. For example, the other organisms. Genetic diversity within species contributes to biodiversity at forage for grazing animals, medicines, fuel, building materials and industrial products, as well as recreation and mountain plover nests only in heavily grazed short-grass steppe ecosystems. This higher levels. With the exception of plants used in cultivation, there is not much hunting. The least understood, but most important, value of biodiversity is the array of environmental benefits bird probably evolved with bison influences that only cattle can now widely known about the genetic diversity of most rangeland species. Fortunately, new provided by natural ecosystems. Essential ecosystem benefits provided by rangelands include maintaining the replace. Livestock can be used to actually enhance conservation of particular techniques are becoming available to accelerate the understanding of rangeland composition of the atmosphere; mitigating climate and moderating weather; creating, fertilizing and stabilizing species or plant communities and structures. genetic diversity. soils; disposing of wastes; cycling nutrients; storing and purifying water; and providing natural control of dis- Grazers influence community diversity by eating select plant species and tram-
Species Diversity is the variety of species (plants, animals and other organisms) eases and pests to name only a few. Loss of biodiversity can negatively influence the quality and quantity of pling plant species with different abilities to respond. Moderate grazing and on Earth. The perception that rangelands have low biodiversity is false. A wide these benefits. trampling usually increase the diversity of plants by decreasing the ability of any variety of plants, animals and other organisms can be found on rangelands. The What is the State of Biodiversity on Rangelands? one plant species to become dominant and exclude other species. Grazing can create problem is, there is not an accurate accounting of many of the components of A major threat to biodiversity is the reduced size of contiguous habitats. Most of the world’s rangelands with gaps in the plant community, making light, moisture and nutrients more available. diversity except for select plants, birds and mammals. sufficient rainfall for growing crops have been converted to agricultural land. In other areas, irrigation using The effects of grazing on plant community diversity depend on the grazing intensi-
Community Diversity is the variety found in groupings of species (communi- imported water or groundwater has been implemented on traditional rangeland areas. In the U.S., more than ty, evolutionary history of the site and climate. If grazing is excluded, the number ties). This diversity includes how many species and which ones are in a 50% of the ecosystems determined to be critically endangered are grasslands and almost 25% are shrublands. of species may increase in the short-term, but may decline in the long-term because community (richness), as well as how many individuals of each species are present relative to other species Rangeland that is marginal for agricultural, urban the system itself changes. It may develop into a system that is less able to withstand other disturbances such as (dominance). Management actions, including protection, on rangeland communities involve positive and nega- and industrial development remain less fragmented drought and fire. Rangeland professionals use a combination of management actions, such as grazing and pre- tive trade-offs between species that benefit from those actions and those that do not. Rangeland managers can than many other ecosystems but even low levels of scribed burning to enhance landscape diversity by creating patterns of different communities across the alter what species and how many individuals of each are present by using management tools such as changes to fragmentation may negatively impact some species landscape. In addition, large tracts of land owned or managed by livestock operators can assist in protecting bio- livestock grazing or fire regimes. and the function of some rangeland communities. diversity by maintaining contiguous habitat.
Ecosystem Diversity is the variety of ecosystems (biological communities plus the physical environments Maintaining sufficient area in each type of range- An increasing threat to rangeland biodiversity is invasion by non-native species, which can cause many facets with which they interact). The diversity of species, life forms, lifecycles and strategies for growing and repro- land is necessary to sustain biodiversity on all of biodiversity to change. For example, as cheatgrass from Eurasia became a more common component of sage- ducing, affects the micro-environment energy flow and nutrient cycles for each ecosystem. levels. brush steppe ecosystem, the nutritional quality of available forage was reduced, the intensity and frequency of
Landscape Diversity is the variety and patterns of ecosystems and communities across a hillside, watershed or Rangeland professionals have long been interest- fires changed, and water cycles of these ecosystems were altered. Several native animals, the sage grouse in par- region. Changes in landscape patterns influence a variety of features including patterns of use by animals, water ed in the complex relationship between grazing ticular, have declined because of these changes. Simply removing livestock will not reverse these trends, so and nutrient cycles, and physical surface disturbances and soil erosion. and rangeland biodiversity. Grazing is an important process in many rangeland ecosystems. Grazing can have rangeland scientists and managers are working on techniques to restore these invasive-dominated ecosystems to both a positive and negative impact on biodiversity on all levels. Continuous heavy livestock and/or large animal a more diverse and durable state. grazing and trampling can adversely impact some rare plant species’ population. The indirect effects of heavy What is Biodiversity? Why is Biodiversity Important? grazing can be significant for some groups of animals. Wide-ranging vertebrates, Biological diversity (biodiversity) includes all living organisms (plants, animals, Biodiversity is important for four basic reasons: morality, aesthetics, economics and the services that it pro- particularly predators and carrion-eaters, have been the most visibly impacted ani- microbes, etc.) and the genetic differences among them. It exists at species, com- vides to society. Many people believe there is a moral or spiritual obligation to protect their fellow creatures. mals on rangelands. Several species are jeopardized by activities related to livestock munity, ecosystem and landscape scales. People like to see and appreciate the living parts of nature as it often adds to the interest, value and quality of grazing management including the grizzly bear, Mexican wolf and black-footed ferret.
Genetic Diversity is the variation in the genes of rangeland plants, animals and their lives. There are many direct benefits to people and our economy from biodiversity such as foods, fibers, On the other hand, some rare species are favored by grazing. For example, the other organisms. Genetic diversity within species contributes to biodiversity at forage for grazing animals, medicines, fuel, building materials and industrial products, as well as recreation and mountain plover nests only in heavily grazed short-grass steppe ecosystems. This higher levels. With the exception of plants used in cultivation, there is not much hunting. The least understood, but most important, value of biodiversity is the array of environmental benefits bird probably evolved with bison influences that only cattle can now widely known about the genetic diversity of most rangeland species. Fortunately, new provided by natural ecosystems. Essential ecosystem benefits provided by rangelands include maintaining the replace. Livestock can be used to actually enhance conservation of particular techniques are becoming available to accelerate the understanding of rangeland composition of the atmosphere; mitigating climate and moderating weather; creating, fertilizing and stabilizing species or plant communities and structures. genetic diversity. soils; disposing of wastes; cycling nutrients; storing and purifying water; and providing natural control of dis- Grazers influence community diversity by eating select plant species and tram-
Species Diversity is the variety of species (plants, animals and other organisms) eases and pests to name only a few. Loss of biodiversity can negatively influence the quality and quantity of pling plant species with different abilities to respond. Moderate grazing and on Earth. The perception that rangelands have low biodiversity is false. A wide these benefits. trampling usually increase the diversity of plants by decreasing the ability of any variety of plants, animals and other organisms can be found on rangelands. The What is the State of Biodiversity on Rangelands? one plant species to become dominant and exclude other species. Grazing can create problem is, there is not an accurate accounting of many of the components of A major threat to biodiversity is the reduced size of contiguous habitats. Most of the world’s rangelands with gaps in the plant community, making light, moisture and nutrients more available. diversity except for select plants, birds and mammals. sufficient rainfall for growing crops have been converted to agricultural land. In other areas, irrigation using The effects of grazing on plant community diversity depend on the grazing intensi-
Community Diversity is the variety found in groupings of species (communi- imported water or groundwater has been implemented on traditional rangeland areas. In the U.S., more than ty, evolutionary history of the site and climate. If grazing is excluded, the number ties). This diversity includes how many species and which ones are in a 50% of the ecosystems determined to be critically endangered are grasslands and almost 25% are shrublands. of species may increase in the short-term, but may decline in the long-term because community (richness), as well as how many individuals of each species are present relative to other species Rangeland that is marginal for agricultural, urban the system itself changes. It may develop into a system that is less able to withstand other disturbances such as (dominance). Management actions, including protection, on rangeland communities involve positive and nega- and industrial development remain less fragmented drought and fire. Rangeland professionals use a combination of management actions, such as grazing and pre- tive trade-offs between species that benefit from those actions and those that do not. Rangeland managers can than many other ecosystems but even low levels of scribed burning to enhance landscape diversity by creating patterns of different communities across the alter what species and how many individuals of each are present by using management tools such as changes to fragmentation may negatively impact some species landscape. In addition, large tracts of land owned or managed by livestock operators can assist in protecting bio- livestock grazing or fire regimes. and the function of some rangeland communities. diversity by maintaining contiguous habitat.
Ecosystem Diversity is the variety of ecosystems (biological communities plus the physical environments Maintaining sufficient area in each type of range- An increasing threat to rangeland biodiversity is invasion by non-native species, which can cause many facets with which they interact). The diversity of species, life forms, lifecycles and strategies for growing and repro- land is necessary to sustain biodiversity on all of biodiversity to change. For example, as cheatgrass from Eurasia became a more common component of sage- ducing, affects the micro-environment energy flow and nutrient cycles for each ecosystem. levels. brush steppe ecosystem, the nutritional quality of available forage was reduced, the intensity and frequency of
Landscape Diversity is the variety and patterns of ecosystems and communities across a hillside, watershed or Rangeland professionals have long been interest- fires changed, and water cycles of these ecosystems were altered. Several native animals, the sage grouse in par- region. Changes in landscape patterns influence a variety of features including patterns of use by animals, water ed in the complex relationship between grazing ticular, have declined because of these changes. Simply removing livestock will not reverse these trends, so and nutrient cycles, and physical surface disturbances and soil erosion. and rangeland biodiversity. Grazing is an important process in many rangeland ecosystems. Grazing can have rangeland scientists and managers are working on techniques to restore these invasive-dominated ecosystems to both a positive and negative impact on biodiversity on all levels. Continuous heavy livestock and/or large animal a more diverse and durable state. grazing and trampling can adversely impact some rare plant species’ population. The indirect effects of heavy tain optionsforthefuture. capacity ofthelandtoproducelifeandmain- line istoprevent thelossofinherent will beseriouslydiminished. The basicguide- overall potentialforallbiodiversity ity onmaintainingsoilsandecosystemfunctions. Without thesefeatures, of rangelandscienceandmanagement. in ecosystemfunctioning.Biodiversity conservation efforts arebeingfocusedonusingthecollective knowledge rangeland professionalsareworking toimprove theunderstandingofrolespecies andlifeformsplay tained, research beyond thelivestock grazingfocus. To find ways thatnaturalresourcescanbebothusedandmain- monitoringefforts and has justbegun. Differing andexpanding views ofbiodiversity arerequiringinventories, there tified anddeveloped. To guaranteetheavailability ofpotentiallygeneticallyvaluable rangelandresources, future. Plantsadaptedforrevegetating areasfollowing disturbancessuchasminingandfire willneedtobeiden- tion andrevitalize ecosystemfunctioning. Geneticresourceswillbecomemorevaluable forrestorationinthe The bestway tominimizespecieslossismaintainecosystemintegrity acrosslandscapesbyplacing aprior- The taskofquantifyingbiodiversity ofrangelandsandplanningmanagementtoaccommodate thesevalues The abilitytosustainbiodiversity willdependonhow successfultheefforts aretomaintainandrestorevaria- What istheFuture ofBiodiversity onRangelands? affecting ecosystemrecovery thanthemorevisibleones. more importantformaintainingecosystemfunctionor species isneeded. These lessnoticeablespeciesmaybe non-vascular plantsandmicrobes. An inventory ofthese there isalackofsimilardataoninvertebrate animals, but and vertebrate speciesandwherethey arelocated, isolated anddecliningpopulationsofrangelandspecies. is aneedtodevelop managementtechniquestoprotect Information isavailable onmany rarevascular plant 1001-903-2500 Implications forRestorationandManagement.” C.H.FlatherandS.McCanny. “RecentBiodiversity Patterns intheGreatPlains: C.H., Sieg, W p277-314. Development and World Ecology Biological Diversity To RangelandSustainability.” C.H.andSieg. “Application ofMontrealProcess Criterion1-Conservation of Flather, ScienceandPolicy”, 1991.“Biodiversity Studies: andE.O. Wilson, P.R., Elhrich, W U.S.Environmental Protection Agency,Anon. “ThreatstoBiodiversity intheUnitedStates.” CO.1991. Keystone, Center, Keystone AReportofaKeystone Policy Dialogue,” Anon. “BiologicalDiversity onFederalLands: and editedbyLoriHidinger. isbasedonaninvited symposiapaperbyNeil West This issuepaper“Biodiversity ofRangelands” p2-13. s,N.E.“Biodiversity onRangelands.” est, D.C.1991. ashington, lands. We invite youtocontactusat: managingandsustainingthevaried resourcesofrange- conserving, scientific organization whosemembers areconcernedwithstudying, The SocietyforRangeManagement(SRM)isaprofessionaland www.rangelands.org •[email protected] , 00 Vl7 ubr2 p81-96. Number2, 2000. Vol 7, Society forRangeManagement All photos courtesy ofUSDAAll photoscourtesy NRCS 4 no ld Suite230 445 UnionBlvd, F aeod CO80228 Lakewood, or More Information: J Resource List ournal ofRange Management 303-986-3309 Great PlainsResearch The InternationalJournal ofSustainable , 99 Vl9 Number2, 1999. Vol 9, , 1993. Vol 46, Number 1, Number 1993. Vol46, Science 253:758-762.
Biodiversity of Rangelands the knowledge willbe usedtoprotectthevast rangelands oftheworld. areworking toimprove theunderstandingofbiodiversity sothat groups, inpartnershipwiththelivestock industryand environmental managers, mental changeandinvasion ofnon-native species.Rangescientistsand globalenviron- lossofspecies, landusechanges, by reductioninhabitat, ve aswellfortheservicesbiodi- aestheticandeconomicreasons, moral, va mountainmeadows anddeserts. The tundra, shrublands, sagebrush steppe, aglnssa ait feoytm nldn rslns savannas, Rangelands spanavariety ofecosystemsincludinggrasslands, riety oflifeanditsprocessesonthem(biodiversity) isimportantfor rsity provides tosociety. Rangelandbiodiversity isconstantlychanging An IssuePaper Created Bythe Society forRangeManagment tain optionsforthefuture. capacity ofthelandtoproducelifeandmain- line istoprevent thelossofinherent will beseriouslydiminished. The basicguide- overall potentialforallbiodiversity ity onmaintainingsoilsandecosystemfunctions. Without thesefeatures, of rangelandscienceandmanagement. in ecosystemfunctioning.Biodiversity conservation efforts arebeingfocusedonusingthecollective knowledge rangeland professionalsareworking toimprove theunderstandingofrolespecies andlifeformsplay tained, research beyond thelivestock grazingfocus. To find ways thatnaturalresourcescanbebothusedandmain- monitoringefforts and has justbegun. Differing andexpanding views ofbiodiversity arerequiringinventories, there tified anddeveloped. To guaranteetheavailability ofpotentiallygeneticallyvaluable rangelandresources, future. Plantsadaptedforrevegetating areasfollowing disturbancessuchasminingandfire willneedtobeiden- tion andrevitalize ecosystemfunctioning. Geneticresourceswillbecomemorevaluable forrestorationinthe The bestway tominimizespecieslossismaintainecosystemintegrity acrosslandscapesbyplacing aprior- The taskofquantifyingbiodiversity ofrangelandsandplanningmanagementtoaccommodate thesevalues The abilitytosustainbiodiversity willdependonhow successfultheefforts aretomaintainandrestorevaria- What istheFuture ofBiodiversity onRangelands? affecting ecosystemrecovery thanthemorevisibleones. more importantformaintainingecosystemfunctionor species isneeded. These lessnoticeablespeciesmaybe non-vascular plantsandmicrobes. An inventory ofthese there isalackofsimilardataoninvertebrate animals, but and vertebrate speciesandwherethey arelocated, isolated anddecliningpopulationsofrangelandspecies. is aneedtodevelop managementtechniquestoprotect Information isavailable onmany rarevascular plant 1001-903-2500 W p277-314. Implications forRestorationandManagement.” C.H.FlatherandS.McCanny. “RecentBiodiversity Patterns intheGreatPlains: C.H., Sieg, Development and World Ecology Biological Diversity To RangelandSustainability.” C.H.andSieg. “Application ofMontrealProcess Criterion1-Conservation of Flather, ScienceandPolicy”, 1991.“Biodiversity Studies: andE.O. Wilson, P.R., Elhrich, W U.S.Environmental Protection Agency,Anon. “ThreatstoBiodiversity intheUnitedStates.” CO.1991. Keystone, Center, Keystone AReportofaKeystone Policy Dialogue,” Anon. “BiologicalDiversity onFederalLands: and editedbyLoriHidinger. isbasedonaninvited symposiapaperbyNeil West This issuepaper“Biodiversity ofRangelands” p2-13. s,N.E.“Biodiversity onRangelands.” est, D.C.1991. ashington, lands. We invite youtocontactusat: managingandsustainingthevaried resourcesofrange- conserving, scientific organization whosemembers areconcernedwithstudying, The SocietyforRangeManagement(SRM)isaprofessionaland www.rangelands.org •[email protected] , 00 Vl7 ubr2 p81-96. Number2, 2000. Vol 7, Society forRangeManagement All photos courtesy ofUSDAAll photoscourtesy NRCS 4 no ld Suite230 445 UnionBlvd, F aeod CO80228 Lakewood, or More Information: J Resource List ournal ofRange Management 303-986-3309 Great PlainsResearch The InternationalJournal ofSustainable , 99 Vl9 Number2, 1999. Vol 9, , 1993. Vol 46, Number 1, Number 1993. Vol46, Science 253:758-762.
Biodiversity of Rangelands the knowledge willbe usedtoprotectthevast rangelands oftheworld. areworking toimprove theunderstandingofbiodiversity sothat groups, inpartnershipwiththelivestock industryand environmental managers, mental changeandinvasion ofnon-native species.Rangescientistsand globalenviron- lossofspecies, landusechanges, by reductioninhabitat, ve aswellfortheservicesbiodi- aestheticandeconomicreasons, moral, va mountainmeadows anddeserts. The tundra, shrublands, sagebrush steppe, aglnssa ait feoytm nldn rslns savannas, Rangelands spanavariety ofecosystemsincludinggrasslands, riety oflifeanditsprocessesonthem(biodiversity) isimportantfor rsity provides tosociety. Rangelandbiodiversity isconstantlychanging An IssuePaper Created Bythe Society forRangeManagment