Studies conducted on protected areas of the Canary Islands showed the need to better manage rangeland use. The results of four-year monitoring of 53 goat farms in three areas covering a total surface area of 18,523 ha are presented. Information was obtained through participative techniques, field measurements (transepts, protections, intake indexes) and chemical analyses of the nutritional value. Results show the abandonment of traditional practices and the simplification of production systems because of the increase in the use of supplements and the decrease of grazed areas which are degraded since then. The origin of these changes and the possible alternatives are discussed.