Using Indigenous Knowledge of Nomadic People as a Suitable Guidance for Optimal Management in Forest Natural Ecosystems

Now a day, the results of researches clear the importance of using indigenous knowledge in sustainable development. The goal of the currents study is to identify tree and shrub species for livestock feeding, based on indigenous knowledge for planting these species in degraded rangeland. To achieve the goal a list of trees and shrubs characteristics in the Kohkiluye-va-BoyerAhmad province was developed. BoyerAhmad tribe considered as the statistical population in this study, because this tribe is the largest nomadic tribe in the province and resides in various geographical region in each season. Dataset were collected using a questionnaire. Univariate statistical analysis and frequency distribution graphs were used for statistical analysis. Using random sampling method and Cochran's formula, the sample size was calculated to be 36. Questionnaire's topics were based on following factors: livestock preference values, favorite parts of plant (leaves, branches and fruits), geographic distribution of the species (in cold, hot and temperate climates), consumption season and finally type of livestock (sheep or goat). The results based on the local users' expressions indicate higher consumption of livestocks from Pyrus globra, Quercus brantii, Pictasia khinjuk, Amygdalus lycioides and Acer monspessulanum due to better palatability and availability in comparison to the other species. Most consumed species, moreover, belonging to the cold climate, such as Salix sp, Popolus euphratica, Crataegus pontica and Pyrus globra. All the studied species are consumed by goat better than sheep. By introdiucing fowllowing species in degraded rangeland, not only can we protect forest species, but we also can increase rangeland production and promote its quality. The useful consequences of using indigenous knowledge in different programs and its rolls in developing cooperational guidance will increase the interest of planners and deciecion makers in conserving natural ecosystems.