Overgrazing has been noted as one of the main threats to biodiversity in the rangelands (Department of Environment and Resource Management, 2010). More specific impacts on biodiversity from overgrazing include loss of priority plants, trampled habitat, reduced ground cover, decline of soil structure, erosion of watercourses, eutrophication, competition of water needs with native animals and plants, decreased composition and diversity of native plant species, and reduced diversity and abundance of soil crust organisms caused by hoof damage (McCullough & Musso, 2004) (Department of Environment and Resource Management, 2010).
Other sections of the NRM plan identify that managing stock rates within the carrying capacity of the land-type helps to maintain land condition, improves water infiltration and quality, and maintains or improves biodiversity. Sustainable grazing land management has also been identified to be financially worthwhile in the long-term (McIvor, 2012).