Elk habitat use within a rest-rotation grazing system
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Authors: M. R. Frisina
Date: 1992
Journal: Rangelands
Volume: 14
Number: 2
Pages: 93-96
Summary of Methods: The effects of a three pasture rest-rotation grazing system on elk habitat use in Montana were measured from mid-June to mid-October. Three cattle grazing treatments of rest, season long grazing, and grazing after seedripe were examined. Elk had access to all three treatments throughout the year. Visual observations of elk were made along a vehicle route for 2.5 hrs around sunrise and sunset three times a week in July and August, and again from May to early June.
Article Summary / Main Points: Elk prefer grazing on pastures not shared with livestock. However, elk were not averse to livestock socially when separated by pasture fences. Overall, elk preferred the pastures that were rested or grazed after seedripe, because these pastures had more available forage compared to the pasture with season long livestock use.
Vegetation Types: Intermountain Grasslands (includes Palouse Prairie and Canyon Grasslands)
MLRA Ecoregions: 43A Northern Rocky Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing systems Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Documented Case History
Keywords: elk, cattle, grazing systems, wildlife distribution
Annotation: This article presents the initial two year findings of a case study applicable only to intermountain grasslands in Montana. These patterns may be consistent across other communities but the lack of replication and additional sites limits the wide spread application of these results without proper monitoring in place. Final results of the study are needed but the initial findings appear promising for balancing the grazing needs of ungulates. Measuring the effects of various grazing intensities on elk habitat selection within a rest-rotation grazing system would also be beneficial.
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