Species diversity and habitat of grassland passerines during grazing of a prescribe-burned, mixed-grass prairie
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Authors: R. F. Danley, R. K. Murphy, and E. M. Madden
Date: 2004
Journal: Western North American Naturalist
Volume: 64
Number: 1
Pages: 72-77
Summary of Methods: The effects of grazing and prescribed fire on habitat and species diversity of breeding grassland passerines in the northern mixed prairie of North Dakota were measured over a three year period on the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (48Ⱐ37’N, 102Ⱐ27’W). This study was a follow-up study to a one year study four years earlier. Two treatments (burned with no grazing and burned with modified cell grazing) were examined. All sites were moderately grazed. Plots within each unit were surveyed for passerine species abundance in June. Vegetation structure, composition and shrub height-densities were measured during June-July.
Article Summary / Main Points: All treatment combinations appeared to favor the majority of breeding grassland passerines studied. Abundance of grassland passerines was comparable between both treatments, except for the Brown-headed Cowbird which favored units with the combination of fire- grazing. Increased Brown-headed Cowbird densities could affect other grassland passerine species due to nest parasitism. Vegetation within all units was dominated by a mix of native herbaceous and woody species. Vegetation density, litter depth, and maximum height were greater on study units with prescribed fire and no grazing than sites that were burned and grazed.
Vegetation Types: Northern Mixed Prairie
MLRA Ecoregions: 53B Central Dark Brown Glaciated Plains
Agrovoc Control Words: Postfire ecology Grazing Birds
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: prescribed fire, rotational grazing, habitat management, grassland passerine, mixed-grass prairie, northern great plains, species diversity
Annotation: The findings of this study are applicable to all rangelands where prescribed fire and moderate grazing are a part of the management strategy. Additional research examining the length of rest after fire required before grazing is introduced and a long-term fire interval study would strengthen the knowledge of how to specifically use grazing and fire as a tool for habitat management. Additional research is needed to determine the effects of Brown-headed Cowbirds, which are related to cattle grazing, and their negative effects on other grassland passerines.
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