A higher grazing livestock index therefore does not necessarily means environmental degradation.

Livestock patterns give an indication of the pressure of livestock farming on the environment.

They compared these datasets with trends in population, agriculture, livestock density and gross domestic product.

It also notes that traditional livestock herding practices – keeping stocking rates low and moving herds when forage is low – can reduce the risk of overgrazing and land degradation.

Traditional livestock herding practices - keeping stocking rates low and moving herds when forage is low - can reduce the risk of overgrazing and land degradation.

It also notes that traditional livestock herding practices – keeping stocking rates low and moving herds when forage is low – can reduce the risk of overgrazing and land degradation.

Traditional livestock herding practices - keeping stocking rates low and moving herds when forage is low - can reduce the risk of overgrazing and land degradation.

The same is true of livestock characterized by nomadism and cattle drive, the excessive use of woody fodder and the overloading of livestock density.