Effects of local and landscape scale and cattle grazing intensity on Orthoptera assemblages of the Hungarian Great Plain

2007 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Péter Batáry ◽  
Kirill Márk Orci ◽  
András Báldi ◽  
David Kleijn ◽  
Tibor Kisbenedek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Great Plain

Decline of landscape-scale habitat and species diversity after the end of cattle grazing

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miska Luoto ◽  
Juha Pykälä ◽  
Mikko Kuussaari
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Landscape Scale

Grazing intensity of cattle on a complex of rangeland communities in Central Australia.

1980 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
WA Low ◽  
WJ Muller ◽  
ML Dudzinski
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Range Condition ◽  
Aerial Surveys ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Central Australia ◽  
Free Ranging

Distribution of cattle grazing the rangeland communities of Kunoth Paddock in central Australia was determined from aerial surveys at fortnightly intervals over a 4.5 year period. Mean density throughout the study was 3.5 cattle/km2 and varied between communities from 8.0 cattle/km2 to 0.4 cattle/km2 on the major communities and from 25.6 cattle/km2 to 3.2 cattle/km2 on the minor communities. Cow-days of use were calculated for seasonal intervals to show grazing intensity on the communities over ti~ne. Grazing concentrations throughout the study revealed three groups of utilization levels of the major communities. Foothill fans, Woodlands, Floodplains and Gilgaied plains received about twice the mean grazing intensity for the paddock. Mulga-annual grass received about average grazing intensity and Hills and Mulga-perennial grass received less than half the average grazing intensity. Our sti~dy shows that cattle graze range communities differentially in a free-ranging situation. This information is useful in interpreting results of range condition and trend studies, and also suggests that more uniform utilization of all the communities might be obtained by controlhng grazing distribution.

scholarly journals Factors affecting the distribution and abundance of the Endangered volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi on the Iztaccihuatl volcano, Mexico

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 366-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Hunter ◽  
Will Cresswell
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Type ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Lower Altitude ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Closed Forest ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Strict Enforcement

AbstractThe volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi is an Endangered species endemic to Mexico, with a range of < 400 km2. We investigated threats from destruction, fragmentation and degradation of habitat, hunting, and cattle grazing intensity in relation to the distribution and abundance of the volcano rabbit on the Iztaccihuatl volcano. Faecal pellet counts were taken as a proxy for rabbit abundance in 1,718 random 0.2 m2 quadrats at 859 sampling points along 25 transects, covering an area of c. 100 km2 at altitudes of 3,400–4,000 m. Presence of the species was significantly associated with absence of closed forest, absence of long grass types (not bunchgrass), shallow inclines, absence of cattle grazing, lower altitude, low hunting pressure (measured by proximity to ranger station), absence of bare ground and, contrary to previous findings, increased frequency of fire. The species was significantly more abundant in habitats with a greater percentage cover of zacaton (bunchgrass) and short grass types. It was significantly less abundant in areas with more hunting (measured by proximity to ranger station) and cattle grazing. Key conservation priorities are therefore the protection of the subalpine zacaton bunchgrass-dominated habitat type, strict enforcement of hunting laws and the removal of livestock from relevant national park boundary areas. However, the results suggest that frequent fires have a significant positive effect on the occurrence of the volcano rabbit as a result of habitat improvement and this is often a consequence of anthropogenic management of land for cattle grazing.

scholarly journals Current condition of populations and spatial-environmental features of habitats of russet ground squirrel Spermophilus major

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Andrei R. Tukhbatullin ◽  
Oleg V. Brandler
Keyword(s):  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Environmental Features ◽  
Meadow Communities ◽  
Grass Meadow ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Suitable Habitats

The russet ground squirrel (Spermophilus major ) is known in the literature as a numerous widespread ground squirrel species. In recent decades, a decline in its abundance was found in some parts of its range. We have assessed the condition of this species in most parts of its distribution area based on our observations and interviews with local people. Spatial, landscape and vegetation cover parameters of S. major settlements have been studied. The research results showed a decline in the number, disappearance of settlements and a decrease in suitable habitats for this species. Small and medium-sized settlements with relatively low density of burrows, associated with low grass meadow communities typical for pastures and cattle grazing, prevail among the found settlements. One of the main factors for the decline in the number and disappearance of settlements of russet ground squirrel is, apparently, a decrease of pasture cattle grazing intensity. The continuing trend of degradation of pasture ecosystems may pose a threat to the existence of this species.

Grazing and tree ‘clearing’ alter grass-associated invertebrate assemblages in an Australian tropical grassy woodland

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 539
Author(s):  
Wayne A. Houston ◽  
Alistair Melzer
Keyword(s):  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Associated Fauna ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Invertebrate Abundance ◽  
Invertebrate Assemblages ◽  
Grazing Pressures

To evaluate the response of invertebrates to ‘clearing’ and grazing pressure impacts, a previously grazed but uncleared grassy woodland in central Queensland was manipulated to provide four grazing pressures (destocked, low, moderate and high) and two tree treatments (with trees, i.e. untreated, and ‘cleared’, i.e. trees and saplings poisoned with herbicides), with two replicates of each, making 16 plots in total. Monitoring was carried out in 1998, approximately four years post-establishment of the treatments. Two types of samples were taken: pitfall for ground-active fauna and suction for grass-associated fauna. Overall, 23 orders of invertebrates were sampled by pitfalls and 22 by suction. Significant effects of grazing on invertebrate assemblages were detected by both methods, but no effects were detected from ‘clearing’. There was a gradation in the invertebrate assemblages from low to high grazing pressure, the invertebrate assemblages in the paddocks with the highest grazing differing most from those in the destocked and low-grazing-pressure paddocks. Notwithstanding the lack of effect of ‘clearing’ at the assemblage level, ground-active invertebrates and some grass-associated invertebrates increased in abundance following ‘clearing’, possibly reflecting an increase in the quality of the resource base. However, ground-active invertebrates and grass-associated invertebrates showed contrasting responses to grazing pressure, the former increasing, possibly reflecting changes in trapability due to the more open vegetation structure at higher grazing pressures. The abundance of grass-associated invertebrates declined by 50–80% with increased grazing – although with complex changes in assemblage structure. Despite those declines, the basic trophic pyramid remained, and, along with that, the potential for recovery of invertebrate assemblages and associated ecosystem services with reduction in grazing intensity. With 80% of Queensland grazed, the reduction in invertebrate abundance has implications for the viability of insectivores, particularly mobile fauna such as birds, at a landscape scale. It is recommended that the utility of using suction samples as a basis for assessing ecosystem functional health be investigated and that grazing pressure be reduced to increase invertebrate assemblages of rangeland pastures and to improve sustainability.

Mixed-grass prairie rhizome biomass is influenced by cattle grazing intensity

2012 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Dong ◽  
F.-C. Cheng ◽  
D. Wang ◽  
G. Wang ◽  
B. D. Patton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Mixed Grass Prairie ◽  
Mixed Grass ◽  
Rhizome Biomass

scholarly journals Response of Plant Fungal Diseases to Beef Cattle Grazing Intensity in Hulunber Grassland

Plant Disease ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 2905-2913
Author(s):  
Yawen Zhang ◽  
Zhibiao Nan ◽  
Xiaoping Xin
Keyword(s):  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Large Herbivores ◽  
Adult Cattle ◽  
Disease Occurrence ◽  
Natural Grasslands ◽  
Vegetation Characteristics

The effects of grazing by large herbivores on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning have been extensively studied, whereas how grazing influence plant diseases, especially in natural grasslands, remains poorly understood. Therefore, we undertook a field study regarding a grazing trial in a temperate meadow steppe grassland to investigate mechanisms underlying grazing-host-pathogen interactions. The effects of cattle grazing at different grazing intensities of 0, 0.23, 0.34, 0.46, 0.69, and 0.92 AU/ha (where 1 AU= 500 kg of adult cattle) on the microenvironment, vegetation characteristics, and occurrence of diseases were evaluated. At the population level, the effects of grazing on grassland vegetation characteristics and disease varied with grassland plant species. Compared with nongrazing, grazing directly decreased the average density, coverage, and disease incidence of palatable and edible forages by 51.4, 62.4, and 82.4% in the 0.92 AU/ha treatment but increased the occurrence and prevalence of disease in remaining small herbs by 752.1%. At the community level, with the increase of grazing intensity, the pathogen load of the whole community in grassland was positively related to host coverage. In addition, there was a trend toward increased microtemperature and decreased microhumidity with increased grazing. Although occurrence of plant diseases in natural grasslands is influenced by a range of factors, comprehensive analysis highlighted the major role that cattle grazing intensity plays in the occurrence of plant diseases in natural grasslands. In addition to its direct effect, grazing also indirectly affects disease occurrence by shifting plant community structure and the microenvironment. However, direct effects of grazing intensity affected disease occurrence more than indirect effects.

Spatial patterns in defoliation and the expression of clonal traits in grazed meadows

Botany ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Lise Benot ◽  
Anne Bonis ◽  
Nicolas Rossignol ◽  
Cendrine Mony
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Clonal Plant ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Leaf Damage ◽  
Lateral Spread ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Vegetation Height ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Clonal Traits

Clonal plant species dominate meadow vegetation where grazing can generate spatial heterogeneity at different scales and can select for species that express particular sets of clonal traits. This in situ study aimed to characterize fine-grained spatial patterns of defoliation (<1 m) induced by contrasting cattle grazing intensities and to link these spatial patterns with the abundance of species-specific clonal traits. Using correlogams and synthetic spatio-temporal indices, the heterogeneity of vegetation height and leaf damage was monitored along a cattle grazing gradient. Species were identified and their clonal traits retrieved from the database CLO-PLA3. Under moderate grazing, fine-grained spatial patterns of defoliation were not stable over time. Defoliation was heterogeneous during the first months of the grazing season and then became homogeneous. Intensive grazing generated homogeneous defoliation, regardless of the date. In the study meadow, grazing gave rise to communities containing a greater abundance of annual species. However, clonal traits assumed to enable clonal fragments to benefit from heterogeneity do not seem advantageous. Increasing grazing intensity promoted species with clonal traits expected to minimize costs associated with clonality (aboveground clonal growth forms, short-distance lateral spread, and (or) short-lived connections). Ungrazed conditions favoured species with clonal traits associated with a high competitive ability.

Changes in ant species composition and community organisation along grazing gradients in semi-arid rangelands of the Northern Territory.

2000 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Hoffmann
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Rangeland Management ◽  
Community Organisation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Semi Arid

The impact of cattle grazing on ant diversity, species composition and community organisation was investigated in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory, using distance from water as a surrogate of grazing intensity. Two gradients were sampled, one on red earth at Kidman Springs (5 plots), the other on black cracking clay at Mount Sanford (6 plots). Sites were sampled in April (both sites) and October (Kidman Springs only)1998. The two sites supported distinctly different ant communities, with 70 species at Kidman Springs and 36 at Mount Sanford. Species richness and total abundance did not change significantly with distance from water, although species richness was always greatest at the most distant plot. However, multivariate analysis showed that ant species composition changed markedly. Despite large changes in species composition, the abundance of only six of the 24 most common species (two at Kidman Springs and four at Mount Sanford) were significantly correlated with grazing intensity. The abundance of Bassian taxa was promoted by grazing, whereas the species richness of Torresian taxa and the abundance and species richness of Widespread taxa were suppressed. Ant functional group analysis showed community organisation was resilient, with slight changes being primarily driven by Hot Climate Specialists and dependent on the season. However, the relative richness of five functional groups correlated significantly with grazing intensity, all negatively. Ant variables suppressed by grazing were positively associated with patch cover variables and litter, and negatively correlated with annual grass and bare ground, and may serve as indicators of rangeland condition. Key words: biodiversity, cattle grazing, indicators, piosphere, rangeland management, semi-arid, tropical savannas

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