MAHJUR AREAS - TRADITIONAL RANGELAND RESERVES IN THE DHAMAR MONTANE PLAINS (YEMEN-ARAB-REPUBLIC)

Mahjur areas are commonly found in the rangelands of the Dhamar Montan e Plains. In various ways their use is integrated in the local agro-pa storal land-use system. They are most importantly used as a forage res erve in the dry season for feeding sheep. Local variation of their rol e, in that respect, is related to variation in ecological factors and is one measure aimed at optimizing rangeland utilization. It is recomm ended that their traditional utilization by village communities, of de creasing importance under the current socio-economic conditions, shoul d be reconsidered. The re-introduction of an adapted system to improve livestock production in the dry season and to enhance ecological stab ility is proposed.