Register      Login
The Rangeland Journal The Rangeland Journal Society
Journal of the Australian Rangeland Society
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Analysis of vegetation change associated with human disturbance using MODIS data on the rangelands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Haidi Zhao A , Shiliang Liu A D , Shikui Dong A , Xukun Su A , Xuexia Wang A , Xiaoyu Wu A , Lei Wu B and Xiang Zhang C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.

B College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.

C Nature Reserve Administration of Altun National Nature Reserve, Kuerle 841000, China.

D Corresponding author. Email: shiliangliu@bnu.edu.cn

The Rangeland Journal 37(1) 77-87 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ14061
Submitted: 8 May 2014  Accepted: 7 August 2014   Published: 10 February 2015

Abstract

This paper evaluated changes in vegetation from 2000 to 2012, based on 1-km resolution 16-day composite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and related them to changes in estimates of human disturbance on the rangelands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The main rangeland types studied were desert, steppe and meadow with the latter mainly found in the southern and eastern parts of the study area. The results indicated that human disturbance was distributed mainly in the southern and eastern parts of the study area and corresponded with high NDVI values. The NDVI values showed an upward trend over the study period, with 28.5% of the study area exhibiting a significant increase. The proportion of rangelands that experienced a downward trend in NDVI increased as the level of human disturbance increased. Of the different rangeland types, meadow had the highest NDVI values, the greatest human disturbance, and the highest proportion of rangelands that exhibited a significant decrease in NDVI. Compared with areas with no human disturbance, meadow and steppe rangelands that experienced an increase in human disturbance had lower rates of increase in their NDVI values but, conversely, desert rangelands showed the opposite trend. In addition, it was found that precipitation had the dominant influence on NDVI values and that higher precipitation and slighter lower temperatures over the period of the study were related to an increase in NDVI values.

Additional keywords: human disturbance, linear regression analysis, NDVI, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, rangeland.


References

Akiyama, T., and Kawamura, K. (2007). Grassland degradation in China: methods of monitoring, management and restoration. Grassland Science 53, 1–17.
Grassland degradation in China: methods of monitoring, management and restoration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cai, X. B., Zhang, Y. Q., and Shao, W. (2007). Degradation and mechanism of grassland of North Tibet alpine Prairie. Soils 39, 855–858.

Cui, X. F., and Graf, H.-F. (2009). Recent land cover changes on the Tibetan Plateau: a review. Climatic Change 94, 47–61.
Recent land cover changes on the Tibetan Plateau: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cui, Q. H., Jiang, Z. G., Liu, J. K., and Su, J. P. (2007). A review of the cause of rangeland degradation on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Pratacultural Science 24, 20–26.

Dai, S. P., Zhang, B., Wang, H. J., Wang, Y. M., Guo, L. X., Wang, X. M., and Li, D. (2011). Vegetation cover change and the driving factors over north-west China. Journal of Arid Land 3, 25–33.
Vegetation cover change and the driving factors over north-west China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ding, M. J., Zhang, Y. L., Liu, L. S., Zhang, W., Wang, Z. F., and Bai, W. Q. (2007). The relationship between NDVI and precipitation on the Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Geographical Sciences 17, 259–268.
The relationship between NDVI and precipitation on the Tibetan Plateau.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ding, M. J., Zhang, Y. L., Liu, L. S., and Wang, Z. F. (2012). Temporal and spatial distribution of grassland cover change in Tibetan Plateau since 1982. Journal of Natural Resources 25, 2114–2122.

Ding, M. J., Zhang, Y. L., Sun, X. M., Liu, L. S., Wang, Z. F., and Bai, W. Q. (2013). Spatio-temporal variation in alpine grassland phenology in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from 1999 to 2009. Chinese Science Bulletin 58, 396–405.
Spatio-temporal variation in alpine grassland phenology in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from 1999 to 2009.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dong, J. W., Tao, F. L., and Zhang, G. L. (2011). Trends and variation in vegetation greenness related to geographic controls in middle and eastern Inner Mongolia, China. Environmental Earth Sciences 62, 245–256.
Trends and variation in vegetation greenness related to geographic controls in middle and eastern Inner Mongolia, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Du, M. Y., Kawashima, S., Yonemura, S., Zhang, X. Z., and Chen, S. B. (2004). Mutual influence between human activities and climate change in the Tibetan Plateau during recent years. Global and Planetary Change 41, 241–249.
Mutual influence between human activities and climate change in the Tibetan Plateau during recent years.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fan, J. W., Shao, Q. Q., Liu, J. Y., Wang, J. B., Harris, W., Chen, Z. Q., Zhong, H. P., Xu, X. L., and Liu, R. G. (2010). Assessment of effects of climate change and grazing activity on grassland yield in the Three Rivers Headwaters Region of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 170, 571–584.
Assessment of effects of climate change and grazing activity on grassland yield in the Three Rivers Headwaters Region of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20041346PubMed |

Fensholt, R., Rasmussen, K., Nielsen, T. T., and Mbow, C. (2009). Evaluation of earth observation-based long-term vegetation trends – intercomparing NDVI time series trend analysis consistency of Sahel from AVHRR GIMMS, Terra MODIS and SPOT VGT data. Remote Sensing of Environment 113, 1886–1898.
Evaluation of earth observation-based long-term vegetation trends – intercomparing NDVI time series trend analysis consistency of Sahel from AVHRR GIMMS, Terra MODIS and SPOT VGT data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Foggin, J. M. (2008). Depopulating the Tibetan grasslands: national policies and perspectives for the future of Tibetan herders in Qinghai Province, China. Mountain Research and Development 28, 26–31.
Depopulating the Tibetan grasslands: national policies and perspectives for the future of Tibetan herders in Qinghai Province, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gao, Q. Z., Li, Y., Wan, Y. F., Lin, E. D., Xiong, W., Jiangcun, W. Z., Wang, B. S., and Li, W. F. (2006). Grassland degradation in Northern Tibet based on remote sensing data. Journal of Geographical Sciences 16, 165–173.
Grassland degradation in Northern Tibet based on remote sensing data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gu, D. Q., Fu, J., and Feng, A. P. (2010). Quantitative assessment of human disturbance intensity on Chaoyanggang Lagoon wetland based on landscape ecology method. Wetland Science 8, 37–42.

Guo, Z. G., Wang, G. X., Shen, Y. Y., and Cheng, G. D. (2003). Plant species diversity of grassland plant communities in permafrost regions of the northern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Acta Ecologica Sinica 24, 149–155.

Harris, R. B. (2010). Rangeland degradation on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau: a review of the evidence of its magnitude and causes. Journal of Arid Environments 74, 1–12.
Rangeland degradation on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau: a review of the evidence of its magnitude and causes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC3c%2Fjs1yntQ%3D%3D&md5=bd97aaf7272ad7fa729bfa2d6b1df487CAS |

Harwell, E. (2000). Remote sensibilities: discourses of technology and the making of Indonesia’s natural disaster. Development and Change 31, 307–340.
Remote sensibilities: discourses of technology and the making of Indonesia’s natural disaster.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Huang, N., He, J.-S., and Niu, Z. (2013). Estimating the spatial pattern of soil respiration in Tibetan alpine grasslands using Landsat TM images and MODIS data. Ecological Indicators 26, 117–125.
Estimating the spatial pattern of soil respiration in Tibetan alpine grasslands using Landsat TM images and MODIS data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Huete, A., Didan, K., Miura, T., Rodriguez, E. P., Gao, X., and Ferreira, L. G. (2002). Overview of the radiometric and biophysical performance of the MODIS vegetation indices. Remote Sensing of Environment 83, 195–213.
Overview of the radiometric and biophysical performance of the MODIS vegetation indices.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kawabata, A., Ichii, K., and Yamaguchi, Y. (2001). Global monitoring of inter-annual changes in vegetation activities using NDVI and its relationships to temperature and precipitation. International Journal of Remote Sensing 22, 1377–1382.
Global monitoring of inter-annual changes in vegetation activities using NDVI and its relationships to temperature and precipitation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kimberling, D. N., Karr, J. R., and Fore, L. S. (2001). Measuring human disturbance using terrestrial invertebrates in the shrub–steppe of eastern Washington (USA). Ecological Indicators 1, 63–81.
Measuring human disturbance using terrestrial invertebrates in the shrub–steppe of eastern Washington (USA).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li, J. P., Zhang, B., and Zhang, S. Q. (2004). Spatio-temporal pattern and driving forces of grassland change in west Jilin province. Journal of Natural Resources 19, 331–336.

Li, Z., Yan, F., and Fan, X. T. (2005). The variability of NDVI over north-west China and its relation to temperature and precipitation. Journal of Remote Sensing 9, 308–313.

Li, Z. C., Yang, Q. S., Zhang, H. B., Liu, Z. H., and Yuan, G. (2006). Population number and distribution of big mammals in eastern Arjin Mountain Nature Reserve, Xinjiang. Sichuan Journal of Zoology 25, 92–95.

Li, H. X., Liu, G. H., and Fu, B. J. (2011). Response of vegetation to climate change and human activity based on NDVI in the Three-River Headwaters region. Acta Ecologica Sinica 31, 5495–5504.

Li, X. L., Gao, J., Brierley, G., Qiao, Y. M., Zhang, J., and Yang, Y. W. (2013a). Rangeland degradation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: implications for rehabilitation. Land Degradation & Development 24, 72–80.
Rangeland degradation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: implications for rehabilitation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXitVOisbs%3D&md5=c8db20f64b82b05cec61122c3179fea7CAS |

Li, Z., Huffman, T., McConkey, B., and Townley-Smith, L. (2013b). Monitoring and modeling spatial and temporal patterns of grassland dynamics using time-series MODIS NDVI with climate and stocking data. Remote Sensing of Environment 138, 232–244.
Monitoring and modeling spatial and temporal patterns of grassland dynamics using time-series MODIS NDVI with climate and stocking data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liang, F. C., and Liu, L. M. (2011). Quantitative analysis of human disturbance intensity of landscape patterns and preliminary optimization of ecological function regions: a case of Minqing county in Fujian Province. Resources Science 33, 1138–1144.

Lin, H. L., and Zhuang, Q. M. (2007). Adaptive extent and seed yield predictions for Microula sikkimensis grown in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. Ecological Modelling 201, 507–520.
Adaptive extent and seed yield predictions for Microula sikkimensis grown in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu, Z., and Li, B. G. (2012). Spatial distribution of China grain output based on land use and population density. Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering 28, 1–8.

Liu, J., Ouyang, Z., Tan, Y., Yang, J., and Zhang, H. (1999). Changes in human population structure: implications for biodiversity conservation. Population and Environment 21, 45–58.
Changes in human population structure: implications for biodiversity conservation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu, Y., Zha, Y., Gao, J., and Ni, S. (2004). Assessment of grassland degradation near Lake Qinghai, West China, using Landsat TM and in situ reflectance spectra data. International Journal of Remote Sensing 25, 4177–4189.
Assessment of grassland degradation near Lake Qinghai, West China, using Landsat TM and in situ reflectance spectra data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu, L. S., Zhang, Y. L., Bai, W. Q., Yan, J. Z., Ding, M. J., Shen, Z. X., Li, S. C., and Zheng, D. (2006a). Characteristics of grassland degradation and driving forces in the source region of the Yellow River from 1985 to 2000. Journal of Geographical Sciences 16, 131–142.
Characteristics of grassland degradation and driving forces in the source region of the Yellow River from 1985 to 2000.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28Xhs1KhtLY%3D&md5=2f22f83e222725845d15bf5d5e9259eeCAS |

Liu, M. C., Li, D. Q., Wen, Y. M., and Luan, X. F. (2006b). Assessment of the priorities of species diversity conservation in Sanjiangyuan region by GIS. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment 20, 51–54.
| 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28Xkt1Ons7c%3D&md5=435ccaa354c3953ddb5293920c77f2bdCAS |

Liu, J. H., Gao, J. X., and Wang, W. J. (2013). Variations of vegetation cover and its relationship to global climate changes on the Tibetan Plateau during 1981–2005. Journal of Mountain Science 31, 234–242.

Mu, S. J., Chen, Y. Z., Li, J. L., Ju, W. M., Odeh, I. O. A., and Zou, X. L. (2013). Grassland dynamics in response to climate change and human activities in Inner Mongolia, China between 1985 and 2009. The Rangeland Journal 35, 315–329.
Grassland dynamics in response to climate change and human activities in Inner Mongolia, China between 1985 and 2009.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Peng, J., Liu, Z. H., Liu, Y. H., Wu, J. S., and Han, Y. N. (2012). Trend analysis of vegetation dynamics in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau using Hurst Exponent. Ecological Indicators 14, 28–39.
Trend analysis of vegetation dynamics in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau using Hurst Exponent.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Piao, S. L., Fang, J. Y., Zhou, L. M., Guo, Q. H., Henderson, M., Ji, W., Li, Y, and Tao, S. (2003). Inter-annual variations of monthly and seasonal normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in China from 1982 to 1999. Journal of Geophysical Research 108, 4401.
Inter-annual variations of monthly and seasonal normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in China from 1982 to 1999.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Piao, S. L., Fang, J. Y., Ji, W., Guo, Q. H., Ke, J. H., Tao, S., and Woods, K. (2004). Variation in a satellite-based vegetation index in relation to climate in China. Journal of Vegetation Science 15, 219–226.
Variation in a satellite-based vegetation index in relation to climate in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Qiu, L., and Feng, Z. J. (2004). Effects of traffic during daytime and other human activities on the migration of Tibetan antelope along the Qinghai–Tibet highway, Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Acta Zoologica Sinica 50, 669–674.

Shalaby, A., and Tateishi, R. (2007). Remote sensing and GIS for mapping and monitoring land cover and land-use changes in the North-western coastal zone of Egypt. Applied Geography 27, 28–41.
Remote sensing and GIS for mapping and monitoring land cover and land-use changes in the North-western coastal zone of Egypt.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Shang, Z. H., and Long, R. J. (2005). Formation reason and recovering problem of the ‘black soil type’ degraded alpine grassland in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Chinese Journal of Ecology 24, 652–656.

Shang, Z. H., Gibb, M. J., and Long, R. J. (2012). Effect of snow disasters on livestock farming in some rangeland regions of China and mitigation strategies – a review. The Rangeland Journal 34, 89–101.
Effect of snow disasters on livestock farming in some rangeland regions of China and mitigation strategies – a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Shen, W. S., Li, H. D., Sun, M., and Jiang, J. (2012). Dynamics of aeolian sandy land in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin of Tibet, China from 1975 to 2008. Global and Planetary Change 86–87, 37–44.
Dynamics of aeolian sandy land in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin of Tibet, China from 1975 to 2008.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Song, F. Q., Xing, K. X., Liu, Y., Liu, Z. C., and Kang, M. Y. (2011). Monitoring and assessment of vegetation variation in Northern Shaanxi based on MODIS/NDVI. Acta Ecologica Sinica 31, 354–363.

Stow, D. A., Hope, A., McGuire, D., Verbyla, D., Gamon, J., Huemmrich, F., Houston, S., Racine, C., Sturm, M., Tape, K., Hinzman, L., Yoshikawa, K., Tweedie, C., Noyle, B., Silapaswan, C., Douglas, D., Griffith, B., Jia, G., Epstein, H., Walker, D., Daeschner, S., Petersen, A., Zhou, L., and Myneni, R. (2004). Remote sensing of vegetation and land-cover change in Arctic tundra ecosystems. Remote Sensing of Environment 89, 281–308.
Remote sensing of vegetation and land-cover change in Arctic tundra ecosystems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Suter, G. W., Norton, S. B., and Cormier, S. M. (2002). A methodology for inferring the causes of observed impairments in aquatic ecosystems. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21, 1101–1111.
A methodology for inferring the causes of observed impairments in aquatic ecosystems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XktlertLc%3D&md5=eb1339e20dbf03be20c1cf9c621b672eCAS | 12069293PubMed |

Teillet, P., Staenz, K., and William, D. (1997). Effects of spectral, spatial, and radiometric characteristics on remote sensing vegetation indices of forested regions. Remote Sensing of Environment 61, 139–149.
Effects of spectral, spatial, and radiometric characteristics on remote sensing vegetation indices of forested regions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tømmervik, H., Høgda, K. A., and Solheim, I. (2003). Monitoring vegetation changes in Pasvik (Norway) and Pechenga in Kola Peninsula (Russia) using multi-temporal Landsat MSS/TM data. Remote Sensing of Environment 85, 370–388.
Monitoring vegetation changes in Pasvik (Norway) and Pechenga in Kola Peninsula (Russia) using multi-temporal Landsat MSS/TM data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Townshend, J., Justice, C., Li, W., Gurney, C., and McManus, J. (1991). Global land cover classification by remote sensing: present capabilities and future possibilities. Remote Sensing of Environment 35, 243–255.
Global land cover classification by remote sensing: present capabilities and future possibilities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, S. P. (2003). Vegetation degradation and protection strategy in the ‘Three rivers fountainhead’ area in the Qinghai province. Acta Prataculturae Sinica 12, 1–9.
| 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXhsVGhs7w%3D&md5=8b8316dc4b645f9d00ede468bb46de0cCAS |

Wang, B. L., and French, H. M. (1994). Climate controls and high-altitude permafrost, Qinghai-xizang (Tibet) Plateau, China. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes 5, 87–100.
Climate controls and high-altitude permafrost, Qinghai-xizang (Tibet) Plateau, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, G. X., Qian, J., Cheng, G. D., and Lai, Y. M. (2002). Soil organic carbon pool of grassland soils on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its global implication. The Science of the Total Environment 291, 207–217.
Soil organic carbon pool of grassland soils on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its global implication.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XktFOku7c%3D&md5=e0764a54c9432e2bdecfeabcc3c7db46CAS |

Wang, G. X., Wang, Y. B., Li, Y. S., and Cheng, H. Y. (2007). Influences of alpine ecosystem responses to climatic change on soil properties on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China. Catena 70, 506–514.
Influences of alpine ecosystem responses to climatic change on soil properties on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, H., Zhou, X. L., Wan, C. G., Fu, H., Zhang, F., and Ren, J. Z. (2008a). Eco-environmental degradation in the north-eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and comprehensive ecological protection planning. Environmental Geology 55, 1135–1147.
Eco-environmental degradation in the north-eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and comprehensive ecological protection planning.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, L. Z., Brenden, T., Seelbach, P., Cooper, A., Allan, D., Clark, R., and Wiley, M. (2008b). Landscape based identification of human disturbance gradients and reference conditions for Michigan streams. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 141, 1–17.
Landscape based identification of human disturbance gradients and reference conditions for Michigan streams.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, M. P., Zhao, C. Z., Long, R. J., and Yang, Y. H. (2010). Rangeland governance in China: overview, impacts on Sunan County in Gansu Province and future options. The Rangeland Journal 32, 155–163.
Rangeland governance in China: overview, impacts on Sunan County in Gansu Province and future options.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXptl2msL8%3D&md5=b08cdc6f62191e2111d216c63234b957CAS |

Weller, R., and Cooper, A. (2001). Seasonal changes in the crude protein concentration of mixed swards of white clover/perennial ryegrass grown without fertilizer N in an organic farming system in the United Kingdom. Grass and Forage Science 56, 92–95.
Seasonal changes in the crude protein concentration of mixed swards of white clover/perennial ryegrass grown without fertilizer N in an organic farming system in the United Kingdom.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wen, L., Dong, S. K., Li, Y. Y., Li, X. Y., Shi, J. J., Wang, Y. L., Liu, D. M., and Ma, Y. S. (2013). Effect of degradation intensity on grassland ecosystem services in the alpine region of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. PLoS ONE 8, e58432.
Effect of degradation intensity on grassland ecosystem services in the alpine region of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXktFCls7o%3D&md5=d631fc44df1daaafad6f388991276ec0CAS | 23469278PubMed |

Yang, Y. H., and Piao, S. L. (2006). Variations in grassland vegetation cover in relation to climatic factors on the Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Plant Ecology 30, 1–8.

Yang, H., Lu, Q., Wu, B., Yang, H., Zhang, J., and Lin, Y. (2006a). Vegetation diversity and its application in sandy desert revegetation on Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Arid Environments 65, 619–631.
Vegetation diversity and its application in sandy desert revegetation on Tibetan Plateau.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yang, J. P., Ding, Y. J., and Chen, R. S. (2006b). Spatial and temporal of variations of alpine vegetation cover in the source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers of the Tibetan Plateau from 1982 to 2001. Environmental Geology 50, 313–322.
Spatial and temporal of variations of alpine vegetation cover in the source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers of the Tibetan Plateau from 1982 to 2001.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yeh, E. T. (2005). Green governmentality and pastoralism in Western China: ‘Converting pastures to grasslands’. Nomadic Peoples 9, 9–30.
Green governmentality and pastoralism in Western China: ‘Converting pastures to grasslands’.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yu, B. H., Lv, C. H., Lv, T. T, Yang, A. Q., and Liu, C. (2009). Regional differentiation of vegetation change in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Progress in Geography 28, 391–397.

Zhang, X. Y., Friedl, M. A., Schaaf, C. B., Strahler, A. H., Hodges, J. C., Gao, F., Reed, B. C., and Huete, A. (2003). Monitoring vegetation phenology using MODIS. Remote Sensing of Environment 84, 471–475.
Monitoring vegetation phenology using MODIS.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, T. J., Baker, T. H. W., Cheng, G. D., and Wu, Q. B. (2008). The Qinghai–Tibet Railroad: a milestone project and its environmental impact. Cold Regions Science and Technology 53, 229–240.
The Qinghai–Tibet Railroad: a milestone project and its environmental impact.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, G. L., Dong, J. W., Xiao, X. M., Hu, Z. M., and Sheldon, S. (2012). Effectiveness of ecological restoration projects in Horqin Sandy Land, China based on SPOT-VGT NDVI data. Ecological Engineering 38, 20–29.
Effectiveness of ecological restoration projects in Horqin Sandy Land, China based on SPOT-VGT NDVI data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhao, Y. Z., Zou, X. Y., Cheng, H., Jia, H. K., Wu, Y. Q., Wang, G. Y., Zhang, C. L., and Gao, S. Y. (2006). Assessing the ecological security of the Tibetan plateau: methodology and a case study for Lhaze County. Journal of Environmental Management 80, 120–131.
Assessing the ecological security of the Tibetan plateau: methodology and a case study for Lhaze County.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16338056PubMed |

Zhao, H. D., Liu, S. L., Dong, S. K., Liu, Q., and Li, X. W. (2014). Relationship between human interference and wetland spatial variation in Three-River Headwaters Region. Wetland Science 12, 22–28.

Zhou, H. K., Zhao, X. Q., Tang, Y. H., Gu, S., and Zhou, L. (2005). Alpine grassland degradation and its control in the source region of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, China. Grassland Science 51, 191–203.
Alpine grassland degradation and its control in the source region of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhuo, M. J. (2008). Management countermeasures of sustainable use of alpine meadow pasture. Pratacultural & Animal Husbandry 3, 50–53.