Overgrazing: meaning, definitions and examples
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overgrazing
[ ˌoʊvərˈɡreɪzɪŋ ]
environmental issue
Overgrazing refers to the excessive grazing of vegetation by animals, leading to the degradation of land and ecosystems. When livestock graze too much in a specific area, they can prevent the regrowth of grass and other plants, resulting in soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. This phenomenon can contribute to desertification and negatively impact the land's ability to retain moisture. Overgrazing often occurs in areas where livestock populations are not managed sustainably, resulting in long-term damage to the environment.
Synonyms
overfeed, overpasture, overuse.
Examples of usage
- Overgrazing has led to barren landscapes.
- Farmers need to prevent overgrazing to protect their land.
- The region is suffering from overgrazing from cattle.
- Overgrazing can cause soil erosion and habitat loss.
Translations
Translations of the word "overgrazing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 superpastejo
🇮🇳 अधिक चराई
🇩🇪 Überweidung
🇮🇩 pemerahan berlebihan
🇺🇦 перегріз
🇵🇱 przeżuwanie
🇯🇵 過放牧
🇫🇷 surpâturage
🇪🇸 sobrepastoreo
🇹🇷 aşırı otlatma
🇰🇷 과도 방목
🇸🇦 الرعي المفرط
🇨🇿 přežívání
🇸🇰 prežúvanie
🇨🇳 过度放牧
🇸🇮 prekomerno paša
🇮🇸 ofbeitun
🇰🇿 артық жайылым
🇬🇪 მეტისმეტად მწყემსი
🇦🇿 aşırı otlatma
🇲🇽 sobrepastoreo
Etymology
The term 'overgrazing' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'over-' and the verb 'graze'. The prefix 'over-' implies excess or beyond normal limits, while 'graze' comes from Middle English 'greesen', which means to feed on grass or herbage. The concept of overgrazing emerged as agricultural practices intensified, especially with the domestication of livestock which occurred approximately 10,000 years ago. As human populations grew and agricultural land expanded, livestock began to graze beyond the natural carrying capacity of the land. This led to numerous environmental studies and discussions on sustainable grazing practices, particularly in the 20th century, as the consequences of overgrazing became more apparent in various ecosystems around the world. Issues such as soil degradation, desertification, and loss of plant and animal species highlighted the urgent need for better management of grazing resources.