Document Type : Scientific Letters
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Rangeland Research Devision, Forest and Rangeland Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran.
2
Associate Professor, Rangeland Research Devision, Forest and Rangeland Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Rangeland Research Devision, Forest and Rangeland Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Forest and Rangeland Research Devision, Semnan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Semnan, Iran
5
Assistant Professor, Forest and Rangeland Research Devision, Ardebil Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Ardebil, Iran
6
Associate Professor, Forest and Rangeland Research Devision, Mazanderan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Sari, Iran
7
Assistant Professor, Forest and Rangeland Research Devision, Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Fars, Iran
8
Associate Professor, Forest and Rangeland Research Devision, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Khorramabad, Iran
10.22092/irn.2026.370433.1666
Abstract
Scientific rangeland management in Iran has not evolved in alignment with the intellectual traditions and customary practices of its primary users. Consequently, it has not functioned as a fully effective scientific framework for the sustainable and rational utilization of this valuable natural resource. This persistent gap raises a fundamental question: what constitutes the indigenous knowledge of rangeland owners and nomadic pastoralists regarding rangeland management, and in what manner should such knowledge be systematically integrated into formal scientific planning? Undoubtedly, indigenous knowledge plays a pivotal and constructive role in rangeland governance, substantially enhancing the effectiveness of management initiatives by strengthening stakeholder participation and local ownership. Based on the assumption that incorporating indigenous knowledge into planning processes can accelerate sustainable rangeland utilization and improve the long-term success of management programs, the project entitled “Investigation of Indigenous Knowledge of Nomadic Rangeland Management” was undertaken. The identified knowledge was systematically documented, categorized, and compiled within five principal domains: migration management, grazing management, livestock nutrition management within rangelands, livestock product production management, and rangeland improvement operations management. Among these domains, the present study specifically focuses on the categorization and analytical presentation of practices associated with migration management that are actively implemented by nomadic communities but have been largely overlooked in the formulation and execution of conventional rangeland management plans. Empirical findings indicate that, despite certain structural similarities, the timing, calendar structure, and operational modalities of nomadic migration vary significantly across distinct ecological regions, reflecting adaptive responses to environmental constraints and resource dynamics. Accordingly, the preparation of comprehensive rangeland management plans that explicitly incorporate region-specific migration calendars is essential for both ecological poles—summer and winter grazing territories—simultaneously. The formulation of management plans confined to a single ecological pole should therefore be avoided, as it undermines ecological coherence, disrupts traditional mobility systems, and reduces overall management effectiveness.
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