Investigating the effect of long-term exclosure on ecological indicators using qualitative rangeland health model Case study:Saveh Rudshur steppe rangelands

In order to investigate the effect of long-term exclosure on ecological indicators, the long-term exclosure of Rudshur in steppe rangelands was selected. Then, three functional attributes of rangeland health (soil/site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity) were evaluated using rangeland health model. In this study 17 ecological indicators were used. Result showed that long-term exclosure was evaluated as moderate category in comparison to reference area. Based on rangeland health model, moderate category illustrate that the rangeland has been destroyed and its potential for forage production was reduced, but the rangeland has the capacity to reach the threshold health. Also if the Ranger continues to have this system of management, the rangeland health will be less than ecological threshold line. Processes such as lack of livestock grazing, small herbivore and ant colonies activities have caused that the health of long-term exclosure to be at risk category.