Overloading risks exist in both current status and optimized assessments of grass-ungulate balance across functional zones in Sanjiangyuan

Plant samples were collected from July to August 2024 in the Sanjiangyuan, encompassing 18 plots distributed across the core area and the general control area, with each plot covering an area of 3.14 ha. To ensure sampling across all three functional zones, different members of the same survey team conducted supplementary surveys at 14 sites and 42 plots along the predetermined routes during the same period. A total of 32 plots encompassing 204 quadrats were surveyed, with 4 plots located in the core zone, 19 in the general control zone, and 9 in the peripheral support zone