Assessment of indigenous knowledge expert of northern Alborz semi nomads (Case study: Southern slopes of Damavand mountain Summer Rangeland)

Traditional and indigenous knowledge of range beneficiaries is a valuable national heritage for management programs and social development, providing opportunities to identify, prioritize and organize local resources. The introduction of this traditional knowledge among the population has a positive approach towards the ranch job, and can reinforce the strength of social structure in the country. Accordingly, in this research, it was tried to introduce the mechanisms of indigenous knowledge for the management of range allotments by the semi nomads of Damavand mountain summer rangelands. This is a qualitative research method, in this technique while doing interviews and gathering deep data, axial questions were determined regarding the use of rangeland. The methodology of the study is qualitative including interviews and data collection as well as determining central questions regarding the use of rangelands. Our results clearly showed that rangeland beneficiaries were easily able to determine range allotments, spatial distribution of livestock, herd size, sites of drinking water and so forth. They also can use all parts of a range allotment through traditional grazing systems, exclosure, and observing livestock entry to the rangeland. It seems that indigenous knowledge and occupational experience of shepherds can perform an important role in collaborative activities to achieve sustainable management and provide the success of rangeland projects.