Effects of continuous grazing on habitat and density of ground-foraging birds in south Texas
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Authors: D. L. Baker, and F. S. Guthery
Date: 1990
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 43
Number: 1
Pages: 2-5
Summary of Methods: The response of key habitat features and bird populations to 2 intensities of continuous grazing by cattle on the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Refuge in Texas was investigated for two years. A pasture of each soil type (sandy loam, clay) received heavy or moderate continuous grazing treatments. Bird densities were estimated visually during summer, autumn, winter and spring. Bare ground, litter, density, canopy cover and frequency were measured during each season.
Article Summary / Main Points: On clay soils grazing intensity had little effect on ground cover but on sandy soils moderate grazing had higher ground cover. Bare ground frequency decreased by 32% under moderate grazing on both sandy loams and clays. Bare ground was similar on the sandy soils regardless of grazing intensity, whereas on clay soils it was over 3 times higher under heavy grazing than moderate grazing. Litter was not affected by soil type or grazing intensity. Texas croton and American snoutbean had higher density and cover on pastures with sandy loams and western ragweed and seacoast sumpweed densities were higher on clay soils. Populations of croton were denser under heavy grazing than moderate. Mean seasonal density of bobwhites was similar on moderately grazed pastures in both soil types and heavily grazed pastures in clay soils; meadowlarks seasonal abundance was higher in moderately grazed than heavily grazed pastures on both soil types; mourning dove seasonal density was higher under heavy grazing than under moderate grazing on both soil types.
Vegetation Types: Desert Grasslands
MLRA Ecoregions: 150A Gulf Coast Prairies
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: continuous grazing, eastern meadowlark, mourning dove, northern bobwhite, texas
Annotation: The specific results of this two year, replicated study are applicable to the southern prairies with clay and sandy loam soils. These results imply that the proper grazing management may vary according to soil type. Specific results in relation to grazing intensity are influenced by other factors that affect site productivity, such as annual precipitation and length of growing season. Further research is recommended to examine the interactive effects of grazing pressure and environmental variables on wildlife habitat and populations. The idea that grazing has varied effects on wildlife populations, vegetation and habitat characteristics is applicable to all locations with domestic livestock.
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