Vegetational responses of a mixed-grass prairie site following exclusion of prairie dogs and bison
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Authors: M. S. Cid, J. K. Detling, A. D. Whicker, and M. A. Brizuela
Date: 1991
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 44
Number: 2
Pages: 100-105
Summary of Methods: In this study, prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), bison (Bison bison), or both were excluded from a mixed grass prairie in southwest South Dakota for two years. Only modest vegetational changes were observed, and herbivore species impacts seemed to be similar and additive (no interactions or synergetic effects). Total above ground biomass, current year growth, and graminoid biomass the second year of the study increased by 32%,37%, and 50 %, respectively, in bison excluded plots, and 36%,36%, and 43%, respectively, in prairie dog excluded plots; the increase when both were excluded was approximately the sum of these values. Proportion of forbs decreased significantly the second year when either species was excluded, while graminoids (proportion) increased in the bison exclosures only. The authors suggest that rate of vegetation change, following removal of grazers, depends upon weather conditions, plant species composition, and prior intensity and duration of grazing.
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: black-tailed prairie dog, cynomys ludovicianus, bison, bison bison, grazing patterns, release from grazing, vegetation response, mixed-grass prairie, nitrogen concentration
Annotation: The site was dominated by Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) and inhibited by prairie dogs for 27 years. Bison were observed to use the site, although utilization varied from 40 animals for 3 days in August, to 52 animals for 16 days between May and August. This meant treatments (grazed by bison or excluded) where virtually the same the first year, which was also relatively dry.,Grazing intensity is not specified.
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