Effects of cattle stock density on trampling loss of simulated ground nests
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Authors: H. P. Jensen, D. Rollins, and R. L. Gillen
Date: 1990
Journal: Wildlife Society Bulletin
Volume: 18
Number: 1
Pages: 71-74
Summary of Methods: The effect of nest location and stocking density of short-duration grazing, on simulated ground nest survival in Oklahoma was studied in two trials (mid-May and early July) for 10 days each. The site was burned prior to study trials to produce a uniform vegetation structure. The first trial (May) tested cattle densities of 4, 5, 8, and 15 head/ha and trial 2 (July) tested densities of 13, 17, 25, 50 head/ha. Nests were simulated with clay pigeons placed in either the crown of a little bluestem plant or on an adjacent open site. Nests were monitored every 48 hrs to determine trampling loss.
Article Summary / Main Points: For both trials, nest location did not affect trampling losses to simulated nests, although the higher stock densities in trial 2 had slightly more open sited nests trampled than those placed in little bluestem plants. As stocking density increased so did the percentage of trampled nests.
Vegetation Types: Tallgrass Prairie
MLRA Ecoregions: 80A Central Rolling Red Prairies
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing Trampling Stocking rate
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: bos taurus, short-duration grazing, nest trampling, ground-nesting birds, stocking density, nest location
Annotation: This replicated study was conducted over two years and its corresponding results are applicable to all grasslands where ground nesting bird populations and nesting success are a concern. The study focused on short duration grazing in rotating paddocks, which may not be applicable to areas where livestock graze for extended periods (i.e., longer than 10 days at a time). Areas that have not been recently burned and have greater vegetation structure may also have reduced nest trampling.
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