Range or range lands are large, barren lands that are not suitable for plant growth, and thereby for agriculture and cultivation. The main use of range lands is as a source of continuous forage for cattle. Ranges can also act as source of natural resources like minerals and timber. Also range lands can be converted as spaces for recreation and enjoyment. An ideal range land is one which provides all the above-mentioned uses. It should continuously provide foliage for domestic animals; it should provide natural resources; also it should have the spatial requirements to be converted as a recreational park. For converting a range land into a multi-purpose eco-system, it should be managed professionally and scientifically. A branch of science has emerged for this purpose. It is called the management of range ecology. Generally the management of range ecology is related with the sciences of environment and agriculture.
There are a number of universities and educational institutions in United States that offer post-graduate courses in management of range lands. Colorado State University, Nova Southeastern University, Washington State University, Oregon State University, Montana State University, University of Florida, Brigham Young University and University of Idaho are some of the popular universities in United States that offer post-graduate courses in range management. The number of students enrolling for the subject of range ecology and management is continuously increasing thanks to the good career prospects the subject offers in various government and ecological organizations.
