Pastoral communities have always played an important role in Iran. The Qashqai of Iran use a system of opportunistic management that has evolved over centuries of dependence on a varied and unpredictable environment. This system has resulted in greater livelihood security and resilience to severe disturbance than would be possible under conventional sedentary range management practices.

Outstanding characteristics of the Qashqai management system are transhumant patterns of mobility, scouting of pastures ahead of seasonal migration, flexible stocking levels based on rainfall and expected vegetation production, collecting and using livestock in spreading seeds of desirable native plant species, marketing of multiple products from livestock including highly prized handicrafts, and a philosophy that places a high value on biodiversity protection. Despite several threats to their way of life, like government policies promoting sedentarisation, the Qashqai have shown to be highly resilient.