Fuls notes in this paper that widespread patch-selective grazing and subsequent and patch overgrazing are regarded as the main cause for the continued retrogression of semi-arid and arid rangelands worldwide. Patch overgrazing induces vegetation and habitat retrogression. It reduces rangeland productivity, enhances desertification and adversely affects rangeland stability. If current levels of patch overgrazing are not reduced substantially, the continued retrogression of semi-arid and arid rangelands will not be halted. Successful elimination or substantial reduction of differential forage utilization in semi-arid and arid rangelands will greatly increase livestock production and promote the conservation of rangeland resources.
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