The native grasslands of China are the second largest
in the world, comprising more than 400 million
hectares (about 40 percent of the land mass of
China). The grassland ecosystem in China is
massive and ecologically and environmentally
important, and it has supported the livestock-based
livelihood and survivability of ethnic minorities for
centuries. It is currently estimated that about 90
percent of the native grasslands in China has been
degraded, with 30 percent in very poor condition
(Zhao et al. 2005). Associated with the degradation
of grasslands are a loss in productivity; reduced
ability to support livestock; a concomitant increase
in poisonous plants, rodent, and other pest
infestations; and accelerated desertification. The
spread of poisonous plants is considered the secondmost
serious problem after desertification for
China’s northern grassland region (Zhao et al. 2005).