Ecological constraints on and consequences of land use heterogeneity: A case study of the Mongolian Gobi

• Most of the pastoralists of our Mongolian case study have 4 seasonal camps.
• Topography plays a major role in the choice of the location of those camps.
• It leads to a very specific seasonal land use pattern.
• As a result, most livestock is restrained to 30.92% of the area during growing season.
• Physiological impact of grazing is therefore spatially concentrated.

Mongolian herders are transhumant and therefore follow a specific land use pattern. To understand their movements through a case study, we mapped and superimposed their seasonal camps on a vegetation map and a digital elevation model. We also questioned them about the reasons justifying the locations of their camps, and how they use the surrounding land. It appears that vegetation quality may play a role only in summer, whereas topography is a key driver during 3 seasons. In winter, herders seek shelter against cold winds in rugged places exposed to the south, while in spring and summer, they seek flat places. In spring, to have a clear view of their newborns and in summer, to allow wind to reduce the insect discomfort. Moreover, most of the livestock species stay within a certain distance of the camps depending on the season, but which never exceeds 5.1 km. This leads to a land use pattern where livestock is restrained to specific areas according to the season. Interestingly, during the growing season, when plants are most sensitive to defoliation, most livestock is concentrated on 30.92% of the site surface. Such information is important for range scientists working on grazing impacts at large scales.