Mourning dove densities on Chihuahuan Desert rangelands
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Authors: J. Joseph, J. L. Holechek, R. Valdez, and M. Thomas
Date: 2004
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 57
Number: 3
Pages: 243-247
Summary of Methods: Morning dove densities on early-, mid- and late-seral rangelands in southcentral New Mexico (32° 32’ 30†N, 1067° 52’ 30†W) and the reasons for observed patterns were studied for two years. Early-seral (heavily grazed), mid-seral (moderately grazed) and late-seral (heavily grazed) pastures were used to record mourning dove sightings once per season (fall, winter, spring and summer) from 7-11 am. Leaf cover was measured for three years in the fall, starting a year before the study. Biomass was collected in the fall of both years of the study.
Article Summary / Main Points: Mid-seral pastures provided the best cover and forage for mourning doves. Mourning dove densities did not differ between years but did differ between seasons and seral stage. Mid-seral stages had the highest densities across seasons and years. The highest number of mourning dove sightings on mid-seral pastures occurred during the spring of the first year and during the summer of the second year (wet year). Perennial grass cover and standing biomass was greatest in late-seral pastures, with the lowest amount on early-seral stages.
Vegetation Types: Desert Grasslands
MLRA Ecoregions: 42 Southern Desertic Basins, Plains, and Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing Rangelands Birds
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: upland game bird, wildlife, arid lands, cattle grazing, zenaida macroura
Annotation: This two year replicated study and it associated findings are applicable to desert grasslands. As is true for all grazing research, the results are most directly applicable to areas with similar landscapes, type of ungulate and wildlife species, weather conditions and season of use. A control treatment was not used to determine its effect on mourning dove densities and would have been beneficial. Preference of moderately grazed sites of mourning doves is consistent with the findings of Joseph et al. (2003, J. Range Manage. 56:314-318) with scaled quail. Nelson et al. (1997, J. of Range Manage. 50:593-599) and Joseph et al. (2003, West. North Amer. Naturalist 63:43-49) found moderate and conservative grazing intensities had limited or no effect on various bird and mammal species. All three papers show similar conclusions about the impact grazing has on bird communities and are also available in the RSIS database.
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