Herbivory by Canada geese: Diet selection and effect on lawns
-
-
Authors: M. R. Conover
Date: 1991
Journal: Ecological Applications
Volume: 1
Number: 2
Pages: 231-236
Summary of Methods: Conover examines whether Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) grazing changed the species composition of grass species at 20 sites in Connecticut, where geese are considered a nuisance. Mean goose density was 34 birds/ha of lawn (mean size of sites was 0.8 ha and located near a body of water). The percentage of these lawns in grass, other vegetation, or bare ground did not differ between the heavy-use and light-use areas. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) was less prevalent and colonial bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis) more prevalent in heavy-use areas than in light-use areas of the same lawn. At control sites, the percentage of lawn area in grass, other vegetation, or bare ground did not differ between plots. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was more prevalent in the plot near the water. When given the opportunity to graze on five grass species, captive geese spent more time feeding on Kentucky bluegrass and less time feeding on tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae) plots. Geese did not show a preference for grazing in the plot closest to the water; spending 22% of their time feeding these plots. Preferences for different grass species was not correlated with water, protein, or carbohydrate content of the leaves. However, while there was no grass species that geese refused to eat, they would not eat common periwinkle, Japanese pachysandra, and English ivy. Perhaps these plants contain high levels of secondary metabolites that deter grazing by geese. The finding that geese exhibit feeding preferences among grass species raises the possibility that goose numbers at nuisance sites can be reduced by planting a less-palatable grass, such as tall fescue.
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: canada geese, branta canadensis, carrying capacity, herbivory, lawns, turf grass, turf grazing, urban wildlife, wildlife damage control, kentucky bluegrass, poa pratensis
Annotation: None
-
Get article
Cite article with DOI
-