Grazing, Fire, and Australian Rangeland Dynamics, New South Wales, Australia

The ecology of savanna rangelands is the product of a dynamic interaction between grass, shrubs, fire and livestock, and a high variability in rainfall. Humans play an important role in these dynamics by raising livestock who graze, and by suppressing fire. The authors of this case explore the implications of these human activities for the resilience of the Australian rangelands, characterized by two main stable states. The first state is dominated by grasses with scattered trees and shrubs. This state is preferred by rangers and livestock. The second state is dominated by trees and shrubs.

The authors conclude that the most robust strategy involes a precautionary approach to uncertainty in rainfall.