A long-term positive effect of kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis) on creosotebushes (Larrea tridentata)
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Authors: R. M. Chew, and W. G. Whitford
Date: 1992
Journal: Journal of Arid Environments
Volume: 22
Number:
Pages: 375-386
Summary of Methods: This study in Arizona found that the creosotebush (Larrea tridentata) flourishes over vacant banner-tailed kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis) mounds, but is diminishing everywhere else in a cattle exclosure established in 1958. Authors compared plants and soil properties in mounds and open areas along long-term (32 years) transects. Mounds act and persist as fertile islands of nitrogen (from seed and plant caches) and water (soil is deeper in mounds because of digging) in an otherwise eroding watershed. Since kangaroo rats avoid shrubland and prefer grasslands, the following scenario is suggested; rats established in the area, caused desertification and invasion of shrubs which "preyed" on the rat population, and yet there is a lag effect in the inevitable reduction of creosotebush, since it can still use resources near or on mounds.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: kangaroo rat, dipodomys spectabilis, creosotebush, larrea tridentata, soil nitrogen, mound geography, soil depth
Annotation: Grazing intensity is not specified.
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