Sutton Anderson Chapter 8 Pastoralism is the form of agriculture in which the domestication and use of animals are used as the primary means of food production. There is a relationship between animals and humans. Humans provide protection to animals and ensure reproduction. Animals give humans food and other products. Most pastoral groups are loose, moving tribes, but the family is the primary organization. There are three types of pastoralism, (1) nomadic (groups are highly mobile and rely heavily on their animals), (2) semi-nomadic (groups are less mobile and animal products are supplemented by horticulture), and (3 ) semi-sedentary (groups that are not very mobile and horticulture is an important aspect of their lifestyle). Pastoral herding and sedentary animal husbandry are components of larger agricultural systems. Herbivores are used in pastoralism; animals include reindeer, horses, sheep, camels, cattle and others. The origin of pastoralism is unknown; however, it is believed to have arisen from an agricultural system. The animals live in the pastures and feed there. Grazers eat mostly grasses and low-growing plants. Browsers mainly eat foliage of bushes and trees. This makes it possible for different species to be present on the same pasture (habitat) despite occupying different niches. Careful pasture management is essential for the survival of the group. Animal products include meat, blood, milk, hides, hair, wool, and dung. Most groups integrate these products with horticulture, trade and wild resources. Unmanaged or poorly managed use of rangelands can cause damage to ecosystems. The current practice of turning forests into pastures is causing considerable damage. The Maasai of East Africa provide us with an example of properly managed grazing land. The Maasai burn brushwood to create grazing land, when the herd needs to be moved so that the grazing can regain strength, other animals such as deer and small feral pigs enter the fallow fields, thus creating another food source for them. The governments of Kenya and Tanzania have used approximately 75% of Maasai land for tourism. Soon the land began to grow and the bush took over. The big game that the government was counting on to create revenue from tourists began to leave to find more suitable land. Governments are slowly returning the Maasai people their lands, in the hope that their properly managed grazing lands will bring back big game. The Navajo of the American Southwest are an example of semi-sedentary pastoralists.