Response of nesting ducks to habitat management on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge Colorado
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Authors: D. W. Gilbert, D. R. Anderson, J. K. Ringelman, and M. R. Szymczak
Date: 1996
Journal: Wildlife Monographs
Volume: 131
Number: 1-44
Summary of Methods: Gilbert et al. looked at the habitat requirements for nesting ducks, and how management practices effect nesting density and success on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge (MVNWR) in southern Colorado. Cattle grazing, in a rest-rotation system (1 year on 3 years off), was practiced on the MVNWR from 1977-1990. Nest success of all species of ducks showed a negative correlation with grazing intensity. Rested pastures, that were grazed at 0.4 AUM/ha the year prior, saw a decrease in nests by 55% as compared to a decrease of 38% in pastures grazed at 0.2 AUM/ha the year prior. Gilbert et al. stated that thick and tall vegetation with a substantial litter layer is optimal for nesting ducks. Grazing can be an effective management tool when vegetation gets so thick that it blocks direct sun to the soil surface and impedes new plant growth.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: biomonitoring, grazing, line-transect sampling, nest density, nest success, waterfowl
Annotation: Pastures were stocked at a rate of 0.04 to 0.72 AUM/ha. The stocking rates changed due to a decrease in the area that cattle grazed. Cattle were grazed in a rest-rotation system (fall/winter grazing followed by three consecutive growing seasons of rest) from 1977-90.
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