Effects of distance from cattle water developments on grassland birds
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Authors: A. L. Fontaine, P. L. Kennedy, and D. H. Johnson
Date: 2004
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 57
Number: 3
Pages: 238-242
Summary of Methods: The response of bird densities to vegetative structure affected by cattle use across a gradient of increasing distance from livestock water developments was examined for two years in southwestern North Dakota ( 46° 37' to 47° 48' N and 103° 04' to 103° 46' W). Stocking rates were unknown but estimated to be between 0.74 to 1.76 animal unit months per ha. Between May and July bird surveys, vegetation measurements, and amount of cattle feces were recorded along transects that lead away from water developments.
Article Summary / Main Points: Of the bird species studied, only two (lark buntings and horned larks) showed a decrease in density as distance from water increased. These two bird species have been found, in this and other studies, to be associated with less vegetation cover on northern mixed grass prairie. The other birds studied, demonstrated no association with vegetative structure or cattle dung distribution. Both vegetative structure and litter depth increased, and amount of cattle feces decreased as distance from water developments increased.
Vegetation Types: Northern Mixed Prairie
MLRA Ecoregions: 58C Northern Rolling High Plains, Northeastern Part
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing Rangelands Birds
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: distance sampling, livestock grazing, mixed-grass prairie, north dakota, wildlife
Annotation: This replicated study was conducted over two years and the findings are primarily applicable to rangelands with lark buntings and horned larks. As is true for all grazing research, the results are most directly applicable to areas with similar landscapes, type of ungulate, weather conditions and seasons of use. The lack of a control or ungrazed pasture limits the study's findings. Additional research on ungrazed pastures is needed to compare results.
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