Losses on private land due to big game animals
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Authors: D. B. Nielson, and K. McBride
Date: 1989
Journal: Utah Science - Utah Agricultural Experiment Station
Volume: 50
Number:
Pages: 79-87
Summary of Methods: This case study in Utah was conducted to determine the location and extent of big-game damage to agriculture. Results of this study indicate that losses involve more than the feed or crops consumed by big-game. Operators incurred substantial costs in constructing and maintaining their own fences and in constructing and maintaining fences provided by the division of wildlife resources. Damage may be greatest in orchards. Damage to rangeland is more difficult to measure. Deer grazing may have beneficial effects on plant composition. However, it takes a considerable length of time for the overgrazing by big-game to change plant composition from shrubby plants to the grassy plants preferred by domestic livestock. In the meantime, farmers would incur considerable costs to prevent damage by big-game. Results clearly showed that remuneration did not fully compensate for their losses. Additional research is required to better understand the problems that big-game inflict on agricultural producers. More information is needed on total losses and the long-term benefits and costs of big-game fencing, as well as the utility of current damage payments.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Documented Case History
Keywords: private land, big-game animals, utah, domestic livestock, damage to agriculture, grazing, herbivory, damage costs
Annotation: Season of use is not specified.
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