Indeterminacy of the stocking rate

Neither the commoner who adds the animal that exceeds the optimal stocking rate nor any of the other commoners will necessarily know that the optimum stocking rate has been exceeded, so this is not necessarily a selfish act.

 

In practice, both the optimum stocking rate and the carrying capacity will vary with the season and variations in the climate, making it difficult to judge their long-term values. Also, the effects of overstocking are not immediately apparent, as it takes time for the grass to be eaten down excessively, and then time for the animals to lose condition.

 

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An example of Tragedy of the Commons

Tragedy of the Commons with quantities

 

 

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