Assessment of Palatability and Grazing Preferences under Changing Climate: A Case Study of Plant Species in District Karak, Pakistan

This research work aims to assess the palatability and grazing preferences under the changing climate of various plant species in District Karak Pakistan. The plants were categorized into different palatability classes, and grazing preferences by different animals, to analyze preferred forms of plant consumption and assess palatable species availability across the study region. It was found that out of 205 plant species, 58 (28.29%) were non-palatable, 82 (40%) palatable, 29 (14.14%) were highly palatable, 10 (4.87%) moderately palatable, 12 (5.85%) less palatable and 13 (6.34%) rarely palatable. Grazing preferences showed that goats grazed on 101 (49.26%) plant species, sheep on 93 (45.36%) and cows on 56 (27.31%) species. Whole plants of 82 (40%) species, leaves of 53 (25.85%) and inflorescence/flowers of 6 (3%) plant species were preferred by the grazing animals. The fresh form of 100 (48.7%) plant species was favored by animals followed by 41 (20.7%) plants in dry form and both fresh and dry forms of 24 (11.7%) plant species were grazed by animals. Plant palatability varied widely, impacting animal husbandry and agriculture. Grazing preferences differ among species and animals, with fresh plants preferred. Conservation efforts are crucial, especially in areas with scarce palatable species, particularly during seasons of low availability.