Mahjur areas: traditional rangeland reserves in theDhamar Montane Plains (Yemen Arab Republic)

Mahjur areas are commonly found in the rangelands of the Dhamar Montane Plains. In various ways their use is integrated in the local agro-pastoral land-use system. They are most importantly used as a forage reserve in the dry season for feeding sheep. Local variation of their role, in that respect, is related to variation in ecological factors and is one measure aimed at optimizing rangeland utilization. It is recommended that their traditional utilization by village communities, of decreasing importance under the current socio-economic conditions, should be reconsidered. The re-introduction of an adapted system to improve livestock production in the dry season and to enhance ecological stability is proposed.