Ecological costs of livestock grazing in western North America
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Authors: T. L. Fleischner
Date: 1994
Journal: Conservation Biology
Volume: 8
Number: 3
Pages: 629-644
Summary of Methods: This is a summary of 171 papers on livestock grazing in the West.
Article Summary / Main Points: Livestock grazing in western North America has caused changes in species composition, ecosystem function, and ecosystem structure. These changes have had a major effect on native plants and wildlife and often the effect is detrimental. As riparian areas are hotspots for biodiversity and ecosystem function, these areas have been impacted most by livestock grazing. In addition, many of the arid lands presently being grazed evolved without large herbivores and are degraded faster than more wet regions that historically supported herbivores like bison. Fleishner states that future decisions about grazing will be influenced by societal values; therefore, additional research is needed.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Biological resources
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Opinion
Keywords: livestock grazing, species composition, ecosystem functioning, alteration of ecosystem structure, riparian habitats, western united states, biodiversity
Annotation: This review presents evidence for the reduction of livestock, especially in riparian and very arid areas. In addition, arguments are presented to refute some of the pieces of more common scientific theories such as plant evolution with large herbivores and plant regrowth following grazing. This is a good summary, but it only discusses the anti-grazing side of the issue. Read other reviews in the RSIS database, including Fitch and Adams 1998, for additional assessments and viewpoints on ecological impacts of livestock grazing on riparian areas.
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