the number of cattle or other livestock a pasture or range can support without suffering degradation or losing its productivity. [fn]Source: (IISD 2005) from IISD website; http://www.iisd.org/sd/glossary.asp (updated: Aug 2005)[/fn][ALSO] Capacity of an ecosystem to support healthy organisms while maintaining its productivity, adaptability and capability of renewal; The maximum number of animals of one or more species that can be supported by a particular habitat or area through the most unfavourable period of the year; Maximum averargee number of biomass or organisms that can be sustained in a habitat over the long term. Usually refers to a particular species, but can be applied to more than one; The amount of use an area can sustain - for recreation, for wildlife, etc. without deteriorating in its quality and become unsustainable. [fn]Source:(EFI 2002) from European Forest Institute, Internal Report No. 6, 2002 "Compliation of Forestry Terms and Definitions" by Schuck, Paivinen, Hytonen, and Pajari.[/fn]