A theoretical basis for study and management of trampling by cattle
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Authors: F. S. Guthery, and R. L. Bingham
Date: 1996
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 49
Number: 3
Pages: 264-269
Summary of Methods: Cattle trampling of endangered plants, certain animal species, and ground nests may be a management concern on rangeland. Researchers need theoretical models of trampling loss to assist in design of such studies and interpretation of results. Guthery and Bingham use the work of Koerth et al. (1983) as an example, and their intent is to show how the theoretical models might influence perspectives and interpretations. Koerth et al. (1983) concluded that "there appears to be no reason for concern that trampling losses by cattle will be higher under the short duration grazing regime used in this study than under continuous grazing, even though stocking rates were higher under short duration grazing. By inference, trampling losses should be lower under short duration grazing than under continuous grazing at similar stocking rates." The null models Guthery and Bingham developed are justifiable for the Koerth et. al (1983) study, because they used clay targets not subject to competing risks or partial exposure in time. Predictions of the models are contrary to the above conclusions given full exposure in time. However, predicted trampling probabilities do not increase in proportion to increases in stocking rate. Guthery and Bingham advocate using the models developed in this paper for hypothesis generation and testing in research. These models generate a priori hypotheses are a condition of quality science. Finally, the authors observe that the issue of trampling loss has complexities that extend beyond the probabilistic background they have presented. These complexities involve habitat selection and use and adaptations of plants and animals vulnerable to trampling at some stage in their life history.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: continuous grazing, grazing, probability, short duration grazing, trampling, modeling
Annotation: No region, vegetation type, grazing intensity, or season of use is specified.
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