Finding solutions for bird restoration and livestock management: Comparing grazing exclusion levels
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Authors: K. S. Nelson, E. M. Gray, and J. R. Evans
Date: 2011
Journal: Ecological Applications
Volume: 21
Number: 2
Pages: 547-554
Summary of Methods: The effects of complete and partial exclusion of cattle grazing on avian recovery was examined in a study conducted in riparian areas of Orestimba Creek and Garzas Creek on Simon Newman Ranch in foothills of San Joaquin Valley, CA. Avian data was collected during breeding season (April to June) from 2001-2006, from 05:00 to 11:00 hours in areas with full cattle-exclosures and seasonal exclosures. Observers noted individual birds by species and distance to each individual over a five-minute period at each station. Native species abundance and richness on each site were determined. Changes in non-native species and Brown-headed cowbird abundance during the study was also recorded, for comparing trends on full-exclosure and seasonal exclosure sites, and to see if regional populations remained stable, increased or decreased and if shifts in abundance occurred.
Article Summary / Main Points: Although complete removal of grazing from riparian areas is the most rapid method of bird population recovery in the short term, seasonal (winter) grazing also results in increased bird species abundance and richness requiring a longer period to reach populations equivalent to full exclusion. If bird population restoration is the primary concern in an area, land managers should remove cattle completely, at least initially, from that area. There can be unanticipated negative effects to complete exclusion of cattle, such as increased non-native and other undesired bird species and brood parasitism; thus, seasonal exclusion may be beneficial. Timing of cattle grazing can allow for both grazing and bird population recovery over time, when both are goals.
Vegetation Types: All Forest and Woodlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 17 Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian Birds Grazing lands
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: avian conservation, breeding bird survey (bbs), cattle exclosures, livestock grazing, rangeland management, riparian habitats, seasonal exclusion, species restoration
Annotation: While 'All Forests and Woodlands' was selected for vegetation type, the authors denoted the area of influence as 'mixed woodlands' of willow, cottonwood, sycamore, and riparian scrub and herbaceous vegetation.
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