Mammalian herbivores: Ecosystem-level effects in two grassland national parks
-
-
Authors: J. K. Detling
Date: 1998
Journal: Wildlife Society Bulletin
Volume: 26
Number: 3
Pages: 438-448
Summary of Methods: Detling reviewed studies of plant and soil response to grazing by prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), bison (Bison bison) and wild horses (Equus caballus) in Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota), Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (Wyoming) and the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range,(Wyoming and Montana). Detling concluded that ungulates in each area are managed at levels that do not degrade vegetation. While prairie dog colonies had greater forb cover, reduced canopy stature and lower belowground net primary productivity than uncolonized areas, they were also grazed preferentially by bison and antelope. Plant shoots in heavily grazed areas sometimes have high nitrogen concentrations, possibly the result of reduced translocation of photosynthates to roots. Reduced translocation should lead to carbon-limitation of microbes and enhanced mineralization as a result of reduced nitrogen immobilization. As long as prairie dogs do not reduce forage availability for ungulates to a potentially critical level, further control of their populations does not appear to be warranted.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Scientific Synthesis
Keywords: bison, bison bison, exclosures, feral horses, equus caballus, nitrogen cycling, prairie dogs, cynomys ludovicianus
Annotation: None
-
Direct link not available.
-