Recovery of tall cotton-grass following real and simulated feeding by snow geese
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Authors: J. W. Hupp, D. G. Roberston, and J. A. Schmutz
Date: 2000
Journal: Ecography
Volume: 23
Number:
Pages: 367-373
Summary of Methods: The impacts of simulated and natural goose (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) herbivory on above and below-ground production of tall cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge were measured by Hupp et al. Aerial cover of cotton-grass was reduced for 2 years following natural goose herbivory and belowground biomass was reduced for 4 years following simulated goose herbivory. Selective herbivory and reduced production of tall cotton-grass did not effect species composition in areas grazed by geese, suggesting that there is currently little threat of invasion in this plant community. The results of this study indicate that goose herbivory can limit the production of tall cotton-grass, a preferred forage species in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the author predicts that changes in plant production following herbivory will alter future goose distribution within this staging habitat.
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: lesser snow geese, anser caerulescens caerulescens, tall cotton-grass, eriophorum angustifolium, grubbing, exclosure, plant community composition
Annotation: Grazing intensity is not specified.
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