Application of the in inventory program of rangelands in the Epirus region and its usefulness in the grazing management
The rangelands of Epirus cover more than 50% of the total area. The rational management of these area presupposes their inventory and classification in several categories, in order to determine their productive potential. The areas which were included in the research were the following: abandoned farms for more than five years, grasslands with woody species no more than 10% of the plant cover; evergreen sclerophyllous and deciduous shrublands with shrubs no more than 5 m high; and partially forested areas with crown cover less than 40% and timber stock less than 1003/ha. Each inventory unit was classified into types of range vegetation and was evaluated for its surface area. The information collected includes surface areas, vegetation type, site class, range condition and altitudinal distribution. The results of the inventory of the rangelands in Epirus show that the largest proportion of the rangelands have fair range condition and are distributed in the high (>800 m) zone. It is concluded that the G.I.S. are useful for inventorying and classifying rangelands so that their sustained management and efficient environmental conservation is ensured.
Research on sheep feeding utilization in the region of Ioannina. First estimations of the last two years
The aim of this study is the sampling recording of the present situation of the dairy sheep farms of the Ioannina region, which supply with milk the Dodoni Dairy, and also to examine possible causes for the reduction of the milk production in the area for the Iast two years. This report comprises part of a more detailed study carried out from the group of Animal Scientists of Dodoni Dairy in the frame of the research program “PAVE ’97”. Consequently the results drawn at this moment would be better not to be generalized. For the collection of data from the sheep farmers of the region the technique of personal interview was used. In order to facilitate the procedure of interview a questionnaire was made, taking into account the relevant bibliography for ewe’s milk production. The fjnal sample was up to 700 of dairy sheep farmers of Epirus, from whom 30% comes from the prefecture of Ioannina. From the answers and the first analysis of the data important information is gathered in relation with the grazing and general with the nutrition, reproduction, housing conditions, milk production of the ewes but also for demographic and social data of the farmers.
Management of Flomis fruticosa L. communities in Epirus: The problem of wildfires
In this paper, the problem of management of Phlomis fruticosa L. communities and especially of wildfires caused by the shepherds themselves in order to improve them is analyzed. It is stated that Phlomis fruticosa, which is the dominant species of these communities, needs to be controlled because it is unpalatable to grazing animals. This can be done with several methods including prescribed burning. For the application of the latter method however, it needs to be legalized by the Government. Finally, the need of drawing special management and improvement plans is stressed for the application of proper valorization of these important rangelands.
Range management in Epirus: Present situation and problems
The region of Epirus is a traditional livestock raising region of Greece. From its total territory of 920,320 Ha, more than half (475,220 Ha) are used as rangelands. Most of them are located in the mountainous ecological zone (364,70 Ha). The lack of a rangeland inventory makes difficult the estimation of rangeland productivity and the range condition as well thus resulting in the absence of a reasonable regional plan for their proper management. In addition, range scientists are unable to organize proper grazing systems and sustainable production as well protection of rangeland biodiversity. Finally, no decent planning for the necessary infrastructure and vegetative improvements can be carried out.
Half a century range management in Greece: conclusions and perspectives
Range management started to be applied in Greece by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1951 as “improvement of grazing lands” and in 2000 completed 50 years of history. Range education was initiated in 1961 in the School of Forestry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, while in 1963 the Macedonica and Thrace Forest Experiment Station was founded at Thessaloniki with a special section on range research. The Fodder Crops Institute at Larissa was founded before the II World War but in 1997 it was expanded to also include rangelands. Finally, the Hellenic Range and Pasture Society was founded in 1992 to include all range scientists and since then it organized two national rangeland congresses. During the 50 years, range management became part of the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture, but it never gained priority compared to its traditional main activities, such as plant production and forestry. Despite the numerous and successful efforts which were made all these years so that rangelands are improved and used rationally, they continue to be improperly utilized. The perspectives for the new century are favorable, since rangelands are becoming important for organic products in livestock husbandry and for the environment as a whole.
