Assessing Drought Vulnerability Using a Socioecological Framework Rangelands

Drought (an extended period of relatively low precipitation) is a natural part of the environment and is inevitable in rangeland ecosystems.1 It is an important ecological filter that shapes species, communities, landscapes, and regions. And, it is one of the most important factors defining rangelands and makes rangeland ecosystems unique. Unfortunately, it also presents a major challenge to rangeland managers in their quest for sustainability, both ecological and economic. From a manager’s perspective, drought tends to be a creeping and insidious natural hazard that is experienced by degrees, usually over an extended period of time. It can be difficult to determine when a drought begins or ends, and impacts can extend over a larger geographical area compared to other natural hazards, such as fire, flood, or disease.