Ecological dynamics of protected and unprotected rangelands in three climatic zones of Syria

Although rangelands cover approximately 10.5 million ha in Syria, no comprehensive description of rangelands or benchmark sites is available. This study describes some important characteristics on both ecologically healthy and unhealthy sites in three broad eco-zones. Maximum total bare ground was in the arid zone and declining in semi arid and moist zones. Percentage litter and plant cover were both lowest in the arid zone and increased in the semi-arid and moist zones with significant variation (p < 0.05). Invasive species were most pronounced in the moist zone. Plant cover was significantly higher on protected sites as compared to unprotected sites (p < 0.05). Invasive plant species were statistically much more prevalent on unprotected sites (p < 0.05), indicating degradation of the plant community based on grazing. Contrary to protected sites, the most common species in the unprotected site in the arid zone included both invasive and poisonous plants. Plant community changes in the semi arid zone under grazing pressure were reflected in a dramatic decrease in the number of annual species from 87% on the protected site to 57% on the unprotected site. In the moist zone, plant cover was significantly higher in protected rather than unprotected sites (LSD 13.98 < 24) and a very large increase in invasive species was noted on the unprotected site, showing a significant change (LSD 17.48 < 26.08).