overgraze

[ oh-ver-greyz, oh-ver-greyz ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·grazed, o·ver·graz·ing.

1. to graze (land) to excess.

overgraze

/ ˌəʊvəˈɡreɪz /

verb

1. tr to graze (land) beyond its capacity to sustain stock

Word History and Origins

Origin of overgraze¹

over- + graze ¹

Example Sentences

Ecological theory basically says if you have a really simple food chain — like the classic example of sea otters, urchin and kelp; one plant, one herbivore and one predator — if a predator is removed then urchins will overgraze on kelp.

From Seattle Times

“The horse herd in the South Unit, particularly at higher herd sizes, has the potential to damage fences used for wildlife management, trample or overgraze vegetation used by native wildlife species, contribute to erosion and soil-related impacts … and compete for food and water resources,” according to a Park Service environmental assessment from September 2023.

From Seattle Times

“It’s quite horrific to see when kangaroo numbers get really high and they overgraze,” he said.

From Washington Post

They're not inclined to overgraze because they're always moving.

From Salon

The Biden administration extended the comment period for this proposed rule, which would allow ranchers to make nonmonetary settlements when they overgraze or illegally graze on public lands, by 60 days beyond the Feb. 16, 2021 deadline for public input.

From Washington Post