Effects of short-duration and continuous grazing on bobwhite and wild turkey nesting
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Authors: L. J. Bareiss, P. Schulz, and F. S. Guthery
Date: 1986
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 39
Number: 3
Pages: 259-260
Summary of Methods: The effects of short-duration and continuous grazing on loss rates of ground nests and the availability of nesting cover for bobwhites (Colinw virginianus) and wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were examined on the Encino Division of the King Ranch and the Welder Wildlife Foundation Refuge in Texas for one year. Eight, short-duration paddocks stocked at 4.5 ha/AU (4-9 day grazing period) were compared to one continuously grazed pasture stocked at 7.3 ha/AU. Availability of nesting cover (clumps of residual grasses) were estimated before nesting. Nesting cover, density of nesting cover, distribution of suitable nest sites and trampled nests were also recorded.
Article Summary / Main Points: Continuous and short-duration grazing did not affect cover, density, or dispersion of nesting cover for either bird species differently; mainly due to areas of low, thorny brush present. Stocking rate did not have an effect on the number of nests lost to trampling. Short-duration grazing was not found harmful to bobwhite and wild turkey nesting success when compared to continuous grazing.
Vegetation Types: Desert Grasslands
MLRA Ecoregions: 150A Gulf Coast Prairies 83E Sandsheet Prairie
Agrovoc Control Words: Nesting Grazing Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: trampling, coverage, density, stocking rate, nesting success
Annotation: The results of this one year, replicated study are applicable to rangelands that have ground nesting birds. One limiting factor in the study was grazing season was not examined or reported. There was no control treatment as this study just compared two grazing systems. All of these results are true in relation only to the other grazing treatment. Results suggest that trampling may not be a management concern unless paddock density exceeds 0.4 ha/AU on the Encino area. As is true for all grazing research, the results are most directly applicable to areas with similar landscapes, type of ungulate and bird species, weather conditions and season of use. To use the results for long-term management studies, a field study over several years is required.
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