Applied experimental ecology to investigate and promote sustainable and bio-diversity-friendly livestock grazing practices in Community Forest Resource (CFR) areas of Vidarbha, Maharashtra

Livestock rearing is a vital livelihood resource for several forest-dwelling communities. And so, livestock grazing has been integral to most forest and open ecosystems.  Unsustainable -grazing can often lead to resource depletion and also pose a threat to biodiversity. Through field experiments, this study aims to explore the sustainable and bio-diversity-friendly ways of livestock grazing management in the Community Forest Resource (CFR) areas of eastern Maharashtra.

Grazing exclosures were set up in grazed and ungrazed areas in July 2022 in the CFR areas of Payvihir village in Eastern Maharashtra. The herbaceous aboveground vegetation in the experimental plots is being clipped systematically and periodically to simulate grazing management practices. We hope to identify and promote sustainable livestock management practices through this project in the near future. 

Team: Dr Atul Joshi &  Dr Sharachchandra Lele

Collaborators: Payvihir Gramsabha (Village Council) & KHOJ Melghat (CSO)