Cattle Grazing Areas Research Articles

The fencing paradigm in woodland conservation: consequences for recruitment of a semi‐arid tree

AbstractQuestionHow does long‐term fencing against large domestic herbivores affect regeneration of the dominant tree, Prosopis flexuosa, and hence the structure of semi‐arid woodlands?LocationWoodlands in the Central Monte Desert biome of Argentina, Ñacuñán Man and the Biosphere Reserve area (34° 20′ S, 67° 58′ W) and surrounding cattle‐grazed ranches.MethodsWe compared seedling emergence and survival, the spatial distribution of seedlings and saplings, and the population stage‐based structure of P. flexuosa between paired sites inside and outside the Reserve of Ñacuñán (Argentina), which has been fenced to exclude domestic cattle for ca. 40 yr.ResultsReserve sites had lower tree recruitment and seedling emergence, in spite of having greater seed production and seedling survival. Outside the reserve, survival was higher for seedlings in high‐density clumps than for isolated seedlings. Seedling clumps occurred mostly near adult individuals, where cattle dung was abundant, suggesting an effect of cattle on seed dispersal. The balance between the effects of cattle exclusion on seedling emergence and on seedling survival was reflected in the stage structure of P. flexuosa woodlands, as populations at fenced sites were dominated by adult individuals, whereas those at cattle‐grazed areas presented greater proportions of seedlings and saplings.ConclusionFencing is a common practice used worldwide to exclude conservation areas from human disturbance. For example, it is assumed that disturbed woodlands may recover after fencing, thanks to increased tree recruitment after the exclusion of large herbivores. However, the actual effectiveness of fencing as a tool for forest conservation in overgrazed environments could be controversial because sequential effects of herbivores during the tree regeneration cycle may hamper predictions of the overall balance of the recruitment process. Our results suggest that dispersal by cattle influences the regeneration of P. flexuosa woodlands, and that the positive effects of cattle on seedling emergence compensate for the negative effects on seed production and seedling and sapling survival. Future management of P. flexuosa woodlands in the Central Monte Desert should consider that tree recruitment is closely related to land use, and that cattle exclusion does not necessarily guarantee woodland recovery in the long term.

Terrestrial pollutant runoff to the Great Barrier Reef: An update of issues, priorities and management responses

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is a World Heritage Area and contains extensive areas of coral reef, seagrass meadows and fisheries resources. From adjacent catchments, numerous rivers discharge pollutants from agricultural, urban, mining and industrial activity. Pollutant sources have been identified and include suspended sediment from erosion in cattle grazing areas; nitrate from fertiliser application on crop lands; and herbicides from various land uses. The fate and effects of these pollutants in the receiving marine environment are relatively well understood. The Australian and Queensland Governments responded to the concerns of pollution of the GBR from catchment runoff with a plan to address this issue in 2003 (Reef Plan; updated 2009), incentive-based voluntary management initiatives in 2007 (Reef Rescue) and a State regulatory approach in 2009, the Reef Protection Package. This paper reviews new research relevant to the catchment to GBR continuum and evaluates the appropriateness of current management responses.

Impact of Summer Cattle Grazing on the Sierra Nevada Watershed: Aquatic Algae and Bacteria

Introduction. We evaluated periphytic algal and microbial communities to assess the influence of human and cattle impact on Sierra water quality. Methods. 64 sites (lakes and streams from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park, California) were sampled for suspended indicator bacteria and algae following standardized procedures. The potential for nonpoint pollution was divided into three categories: cattle-grazing areas (C), recreation use areas (R), or remote wildlife areas (W). Results. Periphyton was found at 100% of C sites, 89% of R sites, but only 25% of W sites. Eleven species of periphytic algae were identified, including Zygnema, Ulothrix, Chlorella, Spirogyra, mixed Diatoms, and Cladophoria. Mean benthic algae coverage was 66% at C sites compared to 2% at W sites (P < 0.05). The prevalence of E. coli associated with periphyton was 100% at C sites, 25% of R sites, and 0% of W sites. Mean E. coli CFU/gm of algae detected was: C = 173,000, R = 700, W = 0. (P < 0.05). Analysis of neighboring water for E. coli bacteria >100 CFU/100 mL: C = 91%, R = 8%, W = 0 (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Higher periphytic algal biomass and uniform presence of periphyton-attached E. coli corresponded to watersheds exposed to summer cattle grazing. These differences suggest cattle grazing compromises water quality.

Nitrogen leaching from sheep-, cattle- and deer-grazed pastures in the Lake Taupo catchment in New Zealand

A replicated grazing study measuring nitrogen (N) leaching from cattle-, sheep- and deer-grazed pastures was conducted to investigate the impact of different animal species on N leaching in the Lake Taupo catchment in New Zealand. Leaching losses of nitrate N from intensively grazed pastures on a highly porous pumice soil in the catchment averaged 37, 26 and 25 kg N/ha.year for cattle-, sheep- and deer-grazed areas, respectively, over the 3-year study and were not significantly different (P &gt; 0.05). Leaching losses of ammonium N were much lower (3 kg N/ha.year for all three species of grazer; P &gt; 0.05). Amounts of dissolved organic N leached were significantly higher than that of mineral N (nitrate N + ammonium N), and over the 3-year study averaged 44, 43 and 39 kg N/ha.year for cattle-, sheep- and deer-grazed areas, respectively (P &gt; 0.05). On a stock unit equivalence basis (1 stock unit is equivalent to 550 kg DM consumed/year), cattle-grazed areas leached significantly more mineral N than sheep- or deer-grazed areas (5.5, 2.9 and 3.4 g mineral N leached/24 h grazing by 1 stock unit, for cattle, sheep and deer, respectively) (P &lt; 0.001). Likewise, based on the amount of N apparently consumed (estimated by difference in mass of herbage N pre- and post-grazing), cattle-grazed pastures leached more mineral N than sheep- or deer-grazed pastures (123, 75 and 75 g mineral N/kg N apparently consumed for cattle, sheep and deer, respectively) (P &lt; 0.01). This study gives valuable information on mineral N leaching in a high-rainfall environment on this free-draining pumice soil, and provides new data to assist in developing strategies to mitigate mineral N leaching losses from grazed pastures using different animal species.

Late Quaternary environmental change inferred from phytoliths and other soil-related proxies: Case studies from the central and southern Great Plains, USA

Abstract This study investigates stable carbon isotopes (δ13C), opal phytolith assemblages, burnt phytoliths, microscopic charcoal and Sporormiella spores from modern soils and paleosols in Kansas and Oklahoma. Grass and dicot phytoliths in combination with δ13C are used as proxies for reconstructing the structure of grasslands and woodlands. Burnt grass phytoliths and microscopic charcoal are evaluated as proxies for reconstructing paleofire incidence. Concentrations of the fungal spore Sporormiella are used as a proxy for assessing large herbivore activity. These proxies were tested on various modern grassland communities of the central and southern Great Plains, including areas with bison, cattle, and small herbivores, and areas under different fire frequencies. Opal phytolith assemblages and δ13C values show that before cal 11 ka, C3 grasses and woody plants predominated in areas that today are dominated by C4 grasses. The origin of the shortgrass prairie dates back to about cal 10 ka. The origin of the tallgrass prairie, however, is not clear as phytolith data show variable assemblages throughout the Holocene (mixed-grass, tallgrass, and tallgrass–woodland mosaic). Different proxies (burnt phytoliths vs. charcoal) reveal different fire frequencies, but it is apparent that microfossil evidence for fire incidence is closely related to the abundance of woody plants in the landscape. Before cal 12 ka, soils show somewhat elevated concentration of Sporormiella, but lower concentrations than the modern high-density bison and cattle grazing areas. Throughout the Holocene, Sporormiella frequencies are low, which suggests lower large ungulate densities and perhaps high mobility.

Does wild boar rooting affect livestock grazing areas in alpine grasslands?

Interactions between traditional livestock management practices and wildlife activities are important in the conservation of many mountain ecosystems including the summer rangelands in the Spanish Central Pyrenees, where rooting by wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a large disturbance that can reduce the amount of area available to grazing livestock. This study explored the likely impact of wild boar rooting on Pyrenean grasslands. It quantified the extent of wild boar rooting in livestock grazing areas and determined whether wild boars selected or avoided areas depending on the type of livestock and stocking rates. Wild boar rooting affected 16% of livestock grazing area and occurred in sites that were grazed by cattle, rather than by sheep. In addition, a preference for areas that had intermediate stocking rates was found. The relationship between the increase in the number of wild boars and trends in livestock management suggests that the extent of wild boar rooting will increase especially in cattle grazing areas, and therefore, the area available for cattle grazing in Pyrenean mountain rangelands would decrease significantly.

Backpacking in Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks and Neighboring Wilderness Areas: How Safe Is the Water to Drink?

The objective of this study was to determine the risk of acquiring disease from popular Sierra Nevada wilderness area lakes and streams. This study examines the relative risk factors for harmful waterborne microorganisms using coliforms as an indicator. Water was collected in the backcountry Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks and neighboring wilderness areas. A total of 72 sites from lakes or streams were selected to statistically differentiate the risk categories: (1) natural areas rarely visited by humans or domestic animals; (2) human day use-only areas; (3) high use by backpackers; (4) high use by pack animals; and (5) cattle- and sheep-grazing tracts. Water was collected in sterile test tubes and Millipore coliform samplers during the summer of 2006. Water was analyzed at the university microbiology lab, where bacteria were harvested and then subjected to analysis using standardized techniques. Statistical analysis to compare site categories was performed using Fisher's exact test. Coliforms were found in none of the 13 wild sites, none of the 12 day hike sites, and only 3 of 18 backpacker sites (17%). In contrast, 14 of 20 sites (70%) with pack animal traffic yielded coliforms, and all 9 sites (100%) below the cattle-grazing areas grew coliforms. Differences between backpacker versus cattle or pack areas were significant, p <or= 0.05. All samples grew normal aquatic bacteria. Sites below cattle grazing and pack animal use tended to have more total heterotrophic bacteria. Alpine wilderness water below cattle areas used by pack animals is at risk for containing coliform organisms. Water from wild, day hike, or backpack areas showed far less risk for coliforms.

Watershed integrated management: A decision-support model on Sete Cidades Lake (Azores)

The Sete Cidades Lake (437 ha) is located in a volcanic crater of São Miguel Island (Azores). The watershed is 1923 ha, and 25% of it is covered with water. Extreme logging and the use of fertilizers in the cattle grazing areas have caused sedimentation and eutrophication of the main water body (Carlson Trophic State Index TSI = 40–50 mesoeutrophy). To deal with the issue, a linear programming model was created to generate efficient land-use scenarios for different amounts of phosphorus release. The model was calibrated for the present situation and then simulated to obtain 29 scenarios. It allowed us to derive parameters for each scenario. Then a multiobjective program was used to derive an acceptable weight for each indicator. The dominant solutions were discovered and discussed with different stakeholders.

Small mammal communities on cattle and game grazing areas in Namibia

This study was conducted as part of the interdisciplinary biodiversity project BIOTA and describes small mammal communities on two differently managed farmlands (cattle and game farm) in Namibia over the course of one year. Species diversity, density and activity are discussed and compared to data on vegetation parameters, and on grazing and trampling effects by large herbivores. Small mammal abundance was related to vegetation cover on both farm areas. Species composition differed between the cattle and the game farm. These differences and the dominance structure are discussed in the view of different grazing techniques of cattle and wild ungulates.

Small mammal communities on cattle and game grazing areas in Namibia

This study was conducted as part of the interdisciplinary biodiversity project BIOTA and describes small mammal communities on two differently managed farmlands (cattle and game farm) in Namibia over the course of one year. Species diversity, density and activity are discussed and compared to data on vegetation parameters, and on grazing and trampling effects by large herbivores. Small mammal abundance was related to vegetation cover on both farm areas. Species composition differed between the cattle and the game farm. These differences and the dominance structure are discussed in the view of different grazing techniques of cattle and wild ungulates.

Coliform Bacteria in Sierra Nevada Wilderness Lakes and Streams: What Is the Impact of Backpackers, Pack Animals, and Cattle?

The presence of coliform bacteria indicates a watershed risk for harboring microbes capable of causing human disease. We hypothesized that water from watersheds that have different human- or animal-use patterns would have differing risks for the presence of coliform bacteria. METHODS; Water was collected in wilderness areas of the Sierra Nevada range in California. A total of 60 sites from lakes or streams were selected to statistically differentiate the risk categories: 1) high use by backpackers, 2) high use by pack animals, 3) cattle- and sheep-grazing tracts, and 4) natural areas rarely visited by humans or domestic animals. Water was collected in sterile test tubes and Millipore coliform samplers during the summer of 2004. Water was analyzed at the university microbiology lab, where bacteria were harvested and then subjected to analysis by standardized techniques. Confirmation was performed with a Phoenix 100 bacteria analyzer. Statistical analysis to compare site categories was performed with Fisher exact test. Only 1 of 15 backpacker sites yielded coliforms. In contrast, 12 of 15 sites with heavy pack-animal traffic yielded coliforms. All 15 sites below the cattle-grazing areas grew coliforms. Differences between backpacker and cattle or pack-animal areas were significant (P < or = .05). Only 1 of the 15 wild sites rarely visited by humans grew coliforms. All coliforms were identified as Escherichia coli. All samples grew normal aquatic bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, and Serratia and nonpathogenic strains of Yersinia. No correlation could be made with temperature or elevation. Sites below cattle-grazing tracts and pack-animal usage areas tended to have more total bacteria. Alpine wilderness water below cattle-grazing tracts or areas used by pack animals are at risk for containing coliform organisms. Areas exclusively used by backpackers were nearly free of coliforms.

Shifts in native ungulate communities on a former cattle ranch in Tanzania

AbstractWhen an area is brought under protection, current animal populations and their habitat preferences need to be assessed to predict population trends and future habitat availability. Using data from walking transects, we estimated the size of native ungulate populations on an abandoned cattle ranch in a coastal savannah in Tanzania, now included in the new Saadani National Park. Data were analysed with distance sampling and conventional strip transect techniques and were compared with results of previous wildlife counts. Few individuals of mainly browsing species were present in former cattle grazing areas exhibiting high bush‐encroachment while a ten times higher biomass of browsers and grazers was found in the cattle‐unmodified savannah. Population sizes of some species increased twofold between 1991 and 2001 within the entire area but neither population size nor species richness increased in the abandoned rangeland during our 3‐year study period from 2001 to 2003. We conclude that the former ranch has potential for future recolonization by wild ungulates. Resettlement will take place gradually with ‘pioneer‐species’ facilitating the entry of more demanding species. Habitat restoration through wildlife can be observed and quantified on Mkwaja Ranch which will be of importance for future management of native ungulates reclaiming abandoned rangeland.

Oxeye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemumL.), the White-Flowered Gold Flower1

The flower, with its white rays and golden disc, has small resemblance to an ox's eye, but at dusk it shines out from the mowinggrass like a fallen moon Marcus Woodward, English naturalist, Country Contentments, 1925) Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L.), a European perennial, was brought to North America as an ornamental. The plant is still grown in decorative gardens and it is one parent of ‘Shasta’ daisy (Holm et al. 1997). Tradition says that the oxeye daisy crept out of Massachusetts Governor Endicott's garden between Tuesdays, and claimed the whole nation in two centuries (Haughton 1978). It also arrived as a contaminant in imported hay and grain seeds (Haughton 1978). Oxeye daisy escaped cultivation and also spread quite readily from agricultural activities to become an aggressive competitor. It often forms thick patches, especially in cattle-grazed areas, reducing hay or forage production (Olson and Wallander 1999). Consequently, oxeye daisy has been declared a noxious weed in many areas (Holm et al. 1997). It is found throughout most of the United States and north into southern Canada from Labrador to British Columbia (USDA 1970).

Ecological Factors Limiting the Distribution of Glossina morsitans morsitans and of Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae) in Inhambane Province of Mozambique

After the rinderpest panzootic of the late last century, Southern Mozambique appeared to have become free of Glossina morsitans and G. pallidipes. However, since the 1940s a gradual advance of tsetse into Southern Mozambique has been observed. Anti tsetse measures were taken during the 1950s and 1960s along the southern front of the tsetse belt to stop the advance of the fly into tsetse free cattle grazing areas.

Influence of Cattle Stocking Rate on the Structural Profile of Deer Hiding Cover

Hiding cover available for California (Odocoileus hemionus californicus) and Rocky Mountain (0. h. hemionus) mule deer was monitored during summer under no, moderate, and heavy cattle stocking rates in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and meadow-riparian habitats in the central Sierra Nevada, California. Use of willow (Salix spp.) and herbaceous vegetation in meadow-riparian habitat was also measured using exclosure plots. Hiding cover in aspen and corn lily (Veratrum californicum) vegetation types was not reduced through mid-season in ungrazed treatments but was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced under moderate and heavy grazing. Increases in cover of aspen understory were detected after 2 years of cattle exclusion. Willow vegetation was resilient to the impacts of cattle under moderate grazing, but hiding cover was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced with heavy stocking rates. Browsing of willows by deer was light in ungrazed treatments but increased as the season progressed in cattle-grazed areas and as stocking rate increased. Natural weathering was partly responsible for overall hiding cover lost during the summer but reductions prior to mid-summer were attributed to cattle. The high proportion of hiding cover lost early in the season coincided with the 1st 2 months of life for fawns. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 51(3):655-664 The structure of vegetation provides important thermal and hiding cover for California and Rocky Mountain mule deer in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California. An overstory canopy assists deer in minimizing energy expenditure for thermoregulation by creating a microclimate that buffers extreme weather conditions (Leckenby 1977, Peek et al. 1982). Understory vegetation provides relief from the weather for ungulate species that inhabit dense shrub or forest environments but is more important in providing deer with valuable hiding cover to escape danger (Taber 1961). Mule deer are regarded as classic hiders (Geist 1981). Most susceptible to predation are neonatal animals, which have not fully developed the coordination or speed for flight and are therefore dependent upon cover for escape. High rates of predation on deer fawns in the 1st 2 months of life have been reported in several studies (Cook et al. 1971, Salwasser 1974, Trainer 1975). Bowyer and Bleich (1984) suggested that lack of suitable cover due to cattle grazing may contribute to reduced fawn survival because of increased susceptibility to predation. Similarly, Smith and Lecount (1979) found that survival of fawns was influenced by vegetation because increased cover reduced predation. Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) fawn survival has also been found to be higher on sites with more cover (Barrett 1981). Hamlin et al. (1984) concluded that poor hiding cover did not appear to be a factor in fawn mortality because fawns shifted habitat use to maintain adequate cover. Riley and Dood (1984) also reported that mule deer fawns selected habitats with dense vegetative cover. Hiding cover contributed significantly to habitat use by black-tailed deer (0. h. columbianus) in northern California (Loft and Menke 1984), and may be required even in the absence of predation risk if full use of a habitat is to occur (Black et al. 1976). The long history of livestock grazing in the western states has altered vegetation structure and species composition considerably from pristine conditions (Wagner 1978). Cattle are credited as having both detrimental (Mackie 1978) and beneficial (Urness 1976, Longhurst et al. 1982) effects on deer through their impact on plant communities. The overstory canopy is relatively free from the effects of cattle on a shortterm basis. Over several years though, regeneration and survival of young trees and vigor of mature trees can be adversely affected by browsing, trampling, soil compaction, trunk damage, and nutrient accumulation. However, understory vegetation, which provides the majority of wildlife hiding cover, can be affected by livestock grazing and trampling on a seasonal basis every year. On summer ranges, cattle and

EARTHWORMS IN SOUTHERN NORTH ISLAND HILL PASTURES

Earthworm populations were measured in hill pastures, near Woodville, which were rotationally grazed or set stocked by sheep, or rotationally grazed by cattle. For each grazing management there were two fertiliser treatments: high and low superphosphate application, and sampling sites were located within each of three slope and three aspect classes. Earthworm weight was greater in sheep-grazed than in cattle-grazed areas (91 vs 45 s/r+), was higher in high than in low fertiliser areas (93 vs 75 g/mz), and declined with increasing slope of measurement site. There was also a greater number of earthworms in sheep~grazed compared with cattle~grazed areas (645 vs 270/n+), earthworm numbers declined with slope, and aspect influenced earthworm numbers (SW