Patagonia: range management at the end of the world.

DEFOSSÉ, G. E; ROBBERECHT, R.

Rangelands

Society For Range Management

Lugar: Denver; Año: 1987 vol. 9 p. 106 - 109

0190-0528

This article deals with the evolution of the range management (specially sheep production) in Patagonia, Argentina, since its beginnings at the end of the 19th century, and up to the 80´s of the 20th century.  It describes the land and the ethnic and cultural factors that led to colonization of the southernmost part of South America.  It also describes how a young scientist named Alberto Soriano started range research in the early 40´s in Patagonia, giving the first indications for sustainable management.  His fundamental works were rediscovered in the 80´s, when massive desertification threatened Patagonian rangelands.  From then on, numerous programs have been implemented to halt deterioration and provide for proper range management practices in Patagonia.