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Grassland Ecosystems of the Yellow River Source Zone: Degradation and Restoration

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Landscape and Ecosystem Diversity, Dynamics and Management in the Yellow River Source Zone

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Abstract

Why are the grassland resources in the Yellow River Source Zone in the Sanjiangyuan region on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau important for eco-environmental protection in China? What are the key ecological issues in this area? This chapter provides a summary of the biological resources and protection measures in the Yellow River Source Zone. Desertification of Alpine-steppe and Heitutan formation of alpine meadows across the Yellow River Source Zone are assessed to identify the processes of grassland degradation. Impacts of grazing on grassland are related to the effects of climate change. Particular emphasis is placed on the potential role of small mammals in grassland degradation. Building on field analyses, findings from modelling work and key implications from the international literature, alternative stable states in the processes of grassland degradation and restoration are developed to frame management interventions. Management programmes that can be applied to restore Heitutan in the Yellow River Source Zone on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau are outlined, highlighting implications for sustainable development strategies in the management of grassland resources.

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Acknowledgments

Research in this chapter was supported by grants from Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University, MOE (IRT13074), International Science & Technology Cooperation Program of China, MOST (2011DFG93160, 2015DFG31870) and Special Fund for Agroscientific Research in the Public Interest, MOA(201203041).

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  1. State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, 251 Ningda Road, Xining, 810016, Qinghai, China

    Xilai Li

  2. School of Environment, The University of Auckland, New Zealand Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand

    George Perry & Gary John Brierley

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  1. Auckland, New Zealand

    Gary John Brierley

  2. Xining, Qinghai, China

    Xilai Li

  3. The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Carola Cullum

  4. Auckland, New Zealand

    Jay Gao

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Li, X., Perry, G., Brierley, G.J. (2016). Grassland Ecosystems of the Yellow River Source Zone: Degradation and Restoration. In: Brierley, G., Li, X., Cullum, C., Gao, J. (eds) Landscape and Ecosystem Diversity, Dynamics and Management in the Yellow River Source Zone. Springer Geography. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30475-5_7

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