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Rangelands are areas of grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, shrubs and sometimes trees that are grazed or have the potential to be grazed by livestock and wildlife. They are diverse in their vegetation highly influenced by rainfall, temperature and other climate phenomena, and habitat for a wide range of wildlife, many species of which are found nowhere else.
Rangelands are home to millions of people, from pastoralists to hunter-gatherers to ranchers to conservationists. Rangelands feed millions of people worldwide. Rangelands have significant cultural and aesthetic value too, and for many, are places of inspiration and beauty.
This Rangelands Atlas has been developed to raise awareness on the importance of rangelands and highlight the changes taking place which are having significant impacts on rangelands, demanding their protection and restoration.