Abstract
Natural grazing land is a primary forage source for ruminant livestock in tropical regions, and the composition of its vegetation is a useful indicator of pasture condition. This exploratory, descriptive study documented the occurrence of grasses, legumes, and non-palatable (undesirable) vegetation at six natural grazing-land sites across four subdistricts of South Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province, based on walk-through visual observation of several parts of each site conducted between June 2024 and October 2025. Grasses were recorded at all six sites, confirming their role as the primary forage resource across every site surveyed. Legumes were recorded at three of the six sites (Panamboang, Wayamiga, and Marabose), and non-palatable vegetation was recorded at three sites (Gandasuli, Marabose, and Sumber Makmur), two of which correspond to grazing areas beneath coconut plantation canopy. Two descriptive grazing-land types were distinguished: open pastures dominated by natural grasses and pastures beneath coconut-plantation canopy. The findings provide a baseline descriptive inventory, intended to guide future, more rigorous evaluation of forage-improvement and pasture-management options in the South Halmahera regency.