Fig. 3.

Functions, processes and states of an ecosystem triggered by grazing intensity (based on Löffler 2004). Grazing implies a modification of the ecosystem, corresponding to degradation if the ecological carrying capacity is exceeded. Around this point of exceedance, the former sustainable system is transformed to an overgrazed system, characterized by a decline in productivity and an imbalance between degradation and regeneration which leads to a decline in carrying capacity as well. Under constant or even further increased grazing pressure, this process continues leading to zero production of the herd and diminished regeneration, perceived as ecological disaster