Organizational Setting
In Bhutan, rangelands, known locally as \"Tsamdro,\" are vital ecosystems that provide a wide array of economic, social, and ecological functions, serving as grazing lands for livestock and wild ungulates. Bhutan has approximately 400,000 hectares of registered grazing land (Roder et al., 2001), held by individuals, communities, and institutions. These rangelands are a crucial source of livelihood for ten highland Dzongkhags, supporting a yak population of 29,699 (Integrated Agriculture and Livestock Census of Bhutan, 2023).
Rangeland degradation is one of the key environmental challenges in Bhutan, where the nomadic communities directly or indirectly depend on rangeland and natural resources for their livelihood. With the decline in rangeland productivity, the importance of yak herding in the highlands of Bhutan is decreasing, although, the yak herdersโ communities serve as the important custodians of the natural resources, besides playing a significant role in border security. The yak herders are gradually giving up yak rearing due to shrinking grazing grounds and the trend is fueling increased rural-urban migration. To ensure better rangeland health, rehabilitation of rangelands is crucial through identification of major native grass species.
There is limited information on native grass species in the rangelands, and it is important to identify and document the grass species grazed by the yaks to ensure the following:
โข ย ย Sustainable rangeland management: Through understanding which grass species yaks prefer helps in managing grazing pressure and preventing overgrazing and it helps in developing rotational grazing strategies to maintain healthy pasturelands.
โข ย ย Livelihood and food security: Yak herding is a vital livelihood for many Bhutanese highlanders. Identifying nutritious grass species ensures optimal yak health, leading to better milk, meat and wool production and knowing seasonal availability of grass species helps herders make informed decisions about transhumance.
โข ย ย Conservation of biodiversity: Bhutan's high-altitude ecosystems are rich in unique flora. Documenting native grasses ensures the conservation of important species that support yak herding communities. Some grass species may be endangered or at risk due to climate change or habitat degradation.
โข ย ย Climate change adaptation: Climate change is altering alpine ecosystems, affecting grass growth patterns. By documenting native species, researchers can track changes and promote resilient grasses that can withstand extreme weather.
โข ย ย Scientific research and policy development: Data on native grasses can be used to develop policies on pastureland use and conservation. Research findings can guide relevant agencies to develop more resilient forage species adapted to changing climatic conditions.
To identify and document major native grass species will require capacity development on identification of grasses, development of SOPs for sample collection and preparation of herbarium and hiring of consultant for identification.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of FAOR and technical supervision by the project lead technical officer in RAP (LTO), and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, national counterparts, FAO CO, the specialist will work together with the team from the Department of Livestock and PMU, FAO CO.
Technical Focusย
โข ย ย Development of SOPs for sample collection and herbarium preparations
โข ย ย Data and Sample collection from three regions (East, Central and Western) and documentation for major native grass species
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย Develop capacity of National Livestock Research Center (NLRC) staff to identify the major native grass species
โข ย ย Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample collection and herbarium preparation of the plants
โข ย ย Identify and document the major native grass species grazed by yak in the country
โข ย ย Prepare and submit a final report upon completion of all activities to the FAO-CO and the Department.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย Bachelor degree in agriculture and forestry or botany (major in plant science), biology or a related field. Advanced degree or a PhD is an asset.
โข ย ย Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in grass and plant identification focusing on the high-altitude rangeland area.
โข ย ย Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills ย
โข ย ย Grass taxonomy and identification
โข ย ย High altitude grassland ecology ย
โข ย ย Plant Phenology and seasonal variations
Selection Criteriaย
โข ย ย Based on requirements, competencies and skills.
โข ย ย Training experience is considered an asset.