Forage resource use by cattle or goats at an Indian protected area: Differences and implications for conservation

In India, increasing livestock populations exert pressure on protected areas (PAs) and surrounding rangelands. Differences in resource use by cattle and goats kept in local communities close to the Bandhavgarh National Park were assessed to conclude on expected environmental damage and to provide management implications. Within 5 months of dry period (subdivided into cool and hot dry season), 2 × 25 dairy goats and cattle were continuously observed during daylight. The time spent for various feeding-related activities and plant species and biomass ingested were recorded. This was accompanied by surveying and recording herders’ activities. Cattle and goats largely relied on woody plants. Goats spent time equally on browsing and grazing, increased leaf litter intake with time but rarely consumed crop residues. Goat herders often offered cut leaf-bearing branches. Cattle preferentially grazed, but also increasingly ingested leaf litter. Crop residues were offered instead of cut woody plants. Cattle herds were much less efficiently using the scarce forage resources for milk production than goat herds. However, as woody plants are important for PAs, particularly goat pasturing practices were detrimental to conservation. Desertification in PA surroundings may be prevented by combining improvements in general livestock management and specific feeding procedures, tree protection, and afforestation measures.

► We studied livestock systems at prohibited areas in semi-arid zones. ► Dairy goats and cattle, though inhabiting the same land, were differently managed. ► Due to complementary use, park areas were accessed and outside areas were overused. ► Certain management practices like tree lopping for goats were highly detrimental. ► Desertification can only be alleviated by new practices in and before the dry season.