Response of birds to grazing of riparian zones
-
-
Authors: G. J. Popotnik, and W. M. Giuliano
Date: 2000
Journal: Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume: 64
Number: 4
Pages: 976-982
Summary of Methods: The effects of grazed riparian zones on bird numbers and nest success in southwestern Pennsylvania were evaluated over two years. Bird abundance and richness on two grazing treatments ( grazed ungrazed) within riparian zones were measured 6 times between April and July of each year. Nest monitoring occurred from April through August, with identified nests monitored every 3-4 days until fate of nest was determined. Horizontal shrub cover, woody stem density, percent live herbaceous ground cover, and spatial heterogeneity of vegetation were recorded each May-June.
Article Summary / Main Points: Bird abundance and richness were higher on the ungrazed riparian zones compared to the grazed. Nest success was not affected by treatment. While herbaceous ground cover of vegetation did not differ among treatments; spatial heterogeneity, woody stem density and horizontal shrub cover were greater on ungrazed riparian zones. The greater vegetation structure on ungrazed sites provides bird communities with more desirable habitat characteristics.
Vegetation Types: Other (includes Forest and Eastern)
MLRA Ecoregions: 126 Central Allegheny Plateau
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Birds
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: abundance, avian, cover, fencing, cattle grazing, nest, pasture, pennsylvania, reproduction, species richness
Annotation: This replicated study was conducted over two years and its findings are most applicable to riparian zones in southwestern Pennsylvania but also to other riparian zones. As is true for all grazing research, the results are most directly applicable to areas with similar landscapes, type of ungulate and bird species, weather conditions and season of use. The type of bird species studied and their nesting preferences is an important factor in how grazing affects the associated bird communities. Some bird species thrive on non-heavily grazed rangelands. Refer to Duebbert et al. (1986, Prairie Natur. 18:99-108) and Fontaine et al. (2004, J. Range Manage. 57:238-242) about bird communities affected by grazing in North Dakota, also available on the RSIS website.
-
Get article
Cite article with DOI
-