Trees In Pastures Research Articles

Drought response strategies of vascular epiphytes in isolated pasture trees in a Costa Rican tropical montane landscape.

Vascular epiphytes of tropical montane cloud forests are vulnerable to climate change, particularly as cloud bases elevate and reduce atmospheric inputs to the system. However, studies have generally focused on epiphytes in contiguous forests, with little research being done on epiphytes on isolated pasture trees. We investigated water relations of pasture-tree epiphytes at three sites located below and above the elevation of the average cloud base in Monteverde, Costa Rica. We measured sap velocity and four microclimate variables in both the dry and wet season of 2018. We also measured functional traits, including pressure volume (PV) curves, predawn/midday water potential, and various lab-based water relations traits. We used linear mixed models to assess the correlation between microclimate and sap velocity in both seasons and ANOVA to assess the variation in PV curve and water potential variables. The turgor loss point generally increased from the wettest to driest site. However, this trend was driven primarily by the increasing prevalence of leaf succulence at drier sites. Microclimatic variables correlated strongly with sap velocity in the wet season, but low soil moisture availability caused this correlation to break down during the dry season. Our results emphasize the vulnerability of cloud forest epiphytes to rising cloud bases. This vulnerability may be more severe in pasture trees that lack the potential buffer of surrounding forest, but additional research that directly compares the canopy microclimate conditions between forest and pasture trees is needed to confirm this possibility.

Response of phyllostomid bat diversity to tree cover types in North-western Ecuador

Agricultural activities affect tropical forest biodiversity; however, some bat species can survive under these anthropogenic changes. We described the characteristics of phyllostomid bat assemblages in tree covers located in 48 plots among four agricultural landscapes of North-western Ecuador. Bats were captured with mist nets installed at a ground level reaching three meters’ height. For each of the plots, we installed a mist net in four types of tree cover (polyspecific live fences, monospecific live fences, cacao plantations, and isolated trees in pastures). We captured 250 phyllostomid bats belonging to 16 species with a trapping effort of 19,200 m2 of net coverage. Polyspecific live fences showed significant differences in relative abundance, richness, and diversity of phyllostomid bats compared to the other three. Frugivorous and nectarivorous guilds were the most abundant, and also exhibited the highest richness among other guilds present in agricultural landscapes. In addition, frugivorous, and nectarivorous guilds increase their abundance and richness in agricultural landscapes, while the animalivorous guild is negatively affected. We recommend installing polyspecific live fences in tropical production systems to support the conservation of phyllostomid bats. We conclude that living fences composed of various plant species favour the abundance, richness, and diversity of phyllostomid bats.

Influence of Native Woody Understory on Invasive Grasses and Soil Nitrogen Dynamics Under Plantation and Remnant Montane Tropical Trees

While the influence of canopy trees on soils in natural and restored forest environments is well studied, the influence of understory species is not. Here, we evaluate the effects of outplanted native woody understory on invasive grass biomass and soil nutrient properties in heavily grass-invaded 30 + year-old plantations of a native N-fixing tree Acacia koa in Hawai‘i. We analyze soils from under A. koa trees with versus without planted woody understory and compare these to soils from under remnant pasture trees of the pre-deforestation dominant, Metrosideros polymorpha where passive recruitment of native woody understory has occurred since the cessation of grazing. Simultaneously, we experimentally planted understory species at three times the density used by managers to see if this could quickly decrease grass biomass and change soil nutrient dynamics. We found that invasive grass biomass declined with understory planting in surveyed and experimental sites. Yet, woody understory abundance had no effect on N cycling. Short-term N availability and nitrification potential were higher under A. koa than M. polymorpha trees regardless of understory. Net N mineralization either did not differ (~ 1 mo) between canopy species or was higher (171 day incubations) under remnant M. polymorpha where organic matter was also higher. The only influence of understory on soil was a positive correlation with loss-on-ignition (organic matter) under M. polymorpha. We also demonstrate differential controls over N cycling under the two canopy tree species. Overall, understory restoration has not changed soil characteristics even as invasive grass biomass declines.

Assessing the Feasibility and Socioecological Benefits of Climate-Smart Practices at the Watershed Scale

Resource allocation in climate-smart productive practices depends on the explicit recognition and accountability of the expected costs and benefits in socioeconomic and ecological terms. This study assessed the private and social costs and benefits of 10 practices compatible with the transition to sustainable agricultural practices under an integrated landscape management (ILM) approach. First, the financial and economic viability of the alternatives was evaluated with a cost-benefit analysis. Then, the potential contribution of these practices in terms of carbon sequestration and landscape connectivity was determined in an ILM scenario where at least three practices (live fences, isolated trees in pastures, and riparian vegetation recovery) could be implemented and assessed at the watershed scale. These practices were evaluated in three Mexican pilot watersheds with contrasting biophysical and sociocultural contexts but with high importance in biodiversity conservation and cattle production. The results showed that most climate-smart practices are viable in the medium and long term from a private standpoint. However, more significant benefits are achievable over a shorter period when social co-benefits are included. The results could contribute to decision-making in terms of public policy, providing evidence of the financial and economic feasibility of the analyzed climate-smart practices that also have ecological benefits. In this sense, decision-makers who promote such practices have more arguments to seek funding for implementation.

Microbiotope selection in saproxylic bees and wasps (Hymenoptera, Aculeata): cavity-nesting communities in forests and wooded pastures are affected by variation in openness but not deadwood

Saproxylic insects are an important component of forest biodiversity; however, their ecological requirements are mostly studied on beetles, while other groups are less considered. Aculeate Hymenoptera provide valuable ecosystem services, and some rely on deadwood cavities. We studied cavity-nesting aculeate Hymenoptera using wooden trap-nests set in a heterogeneous partially rewilded woodland area in Central Bohemia, Czech Republic, and tested their nesting preferences in association with canopy openness, amount of deadwood, and the diversity of surrounding vegetation types. We used 100 trap-nests in five microbiotopes—forest edge, shady closed-canopy forest, open patches in closed-canopy forest, open-grown trees in wooded pasture, and shady groves in wooded pasture, over 2 years. We reared 824 specimens belonging to 26 species of saproxylic hymenopterans. We found no effect of microbiotope on total species richness and richness of nest parasites, but richness of nest builders was highest in forest edge and lowest in open-grown trees in wooded pasture. Species composition of hymenopterans was driven by a wider habitat context: despite the proximity of the habitats, the forest, especially closed-canopy patches, hosted a different community, dominated by wasps, than open wooded pasture. Moreover, open patches in forest differed in composition from the closed-canopy patches, suggesting that in production forests, the diversity of saproxylic hymenopterans may be limited by the overall low share of open canopy stages. Deadwood (amount and diversity) did not affect the saproxylic bees and wasps in any way.Implications for insect conservationOur results support conservation measures leading to diversification of the forest canopy and vegetation structure in order to support rich communities of saproxylic Hymenoptera, especially in protected areas.

Tree structure instead of microclimatic zones determines differences in vascular epiphyte assemblages between forest and pasture

Land cover change threatens biodiversity by reducing species richness, altering species composition, and favouring generalist species. Pasture creation can promote the loss of original species, although this loss can be mitigated by maintaining scattered trees to reduce their structural differences with forests and thus retaining a portion of regional epiphyte diversity. We explore the negative effects of land cover change and potential factors promoting similarity of epiphyte assemblages between forests and pastures. We hypothesize that pasture epiphyte assemblages are characterized by low species richness and are dominated by xerotolerant and generalist species, with a species composition nested from the forest community, indicating a degree of overlap. We hypothesize that two main factors drive the similarity between forest and pasture epiphyte assemblages: “structural dependence”, whereby trees host similar species on their crowns and trunks independent of habitat, and “microclimatic dependence”, where pasture and forest trees are more similar in areas with comparable microclimatic conditions. We found lower species richness and higher abundance of generalist species in the pasture than in the forest, with differing species composition. However, there was still a significant overlap in species composition between the two habitats, indicating that the epiphyte assemblages in the pasture were nested from the forest assemblages. Pasture and forest trees shared more epiphyte species between crown and trunk zones rather than between shaded and sunlight-exposed zones. Hence, the similarity of vascular epiphyte assemblages between habitats is partially driven by structural factors, where certain epiphyte species preferentially occur in specific tree zones regardless of the microclimate or habitat. Considering these findings, we recommend maintaining and planting scattered trees in pastures to enhance structural complexity (e.g., longer trunks and multiple crown branching), which can foster a proportion of the vascular species from forested areas, thus maintaining the similarity in vascular epiphyte assemblages between habitats.

Montado Mediterranean Ecosystem (Soil–Pasture–Tree and Animals): A Review of Monitoring Technologies and Grazing Systems

Montado is an agro-silvo-pastoral ecosystem characteristic of the south of Portugal and called Dehesa in Spain. Its four fundamental components—soil, pasture, trees, and animals—as well as the climate make Montado a highly complex ecosystem. This review article provides an overview of the state of the art of Montado from the point of view of the agro-silvo-pastoral ecosystem and the scientific work carried out in this context. Thus, the aim is: (i) to describe and characterize the Montado ecosystem, as an agro-silvo-pastoral system; (ii) to reveal experimental tests carried out, technologies used or with the potential to be used in the monitoring of Montado; (iii) to address other technologies, carried out in similar and different agro-silvo-pastoral ecosystems from south Portugal. This review consists of three chapters: (a) components of Montado and their interactions; (b) advanced technologies for monitoring Montado; (c) grazing systems. No review article is known to provide an overview of Montado. Thus, it is essential to carry out research on grazing and its effects on the soil and pasture in the Montado ecosystem.

Trees in pastures: local knowledge, management, and motives in tropical Veracruz, Mexico

Trees in pastures: local knowledge, management, and motives in tropical Veracruz, Mexico

Carbon storage in tree biomass dispersed in pastures in the arid Caribbean region of Colombia

Aim of study: To determine the importance in terms of carbon sequestration of dispersed trees in pasture lands as a greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation measure. Area of study: The study was carried out in the municipality of Agustin Codazzi (Cesar Department, Colombia), between October 2020 and March 2021. Material and methods: We characterized 43.57 hectares dispersed amongst sixteen plots and all trees with a diameter at breast height > 10 cm were measured. Allometric equations were used to estimate aboveground biomass storage and species were classified in terms of use: timber products (TP) and non-timber products (NTP). Main results: A total of 750 trees were registered, 10 families and 28 species, of which NTP and TP represented 60.71% and 32.1% respectively. Aboveground carbon stock in trees in pastures was estimated at 7.15 + 4.8 Mg C ha-1. The most abundant species were Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. and Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr. Research highlights: NTP species present a high potential for carbon storage and provide livestock assets. Placing value on carbon storage in rangelands can offset the low opportunity cost of trees in pastures by providing incentives for carbon storage, conservation, and recovery of threatened species.

Результаты мониторинга гнездовых популяций солнечного орла в Дагестане (Россия) в 2022–2023 гг.

Результаты мониторинга гнездовых популяций солнечного орла в Дагестане (Россия) в 2022–2023 гг.

Development and Evaluation of Pasture Tree Cutting Robot

The encroachment of Eastern redcedar (ERC) (Juniperus virginiana L.) onto Great Plains prairies has become a serious threat to ecosystem functioning and grazing productivity. The uncontrolled spread of this invasive tree species has been called a »green glacier« converting grasslands into closed canopy woodlands. A pasture tree cutting robot was developed using a tracked Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV) equipped with a chainsaw bar to mitigate this green glacier dilemma. The prototype was fitted with amperage and voltage sensors to measure average power consumption and peak power requirements of tree cutting. It was evaluated on ERC and Honeylocust trees up to 20 cm in diameter. Cutting energy and time were determined to evaluate energy optimization and cutting time estimates. A pasture tree clearing energy consumption of the developed prototype was estimated for selected tree density/hectare. The prototype robot was successful in cutting down the intended size trees at a manageable power usage.

Effect of Sheep Grazing, Stocking Rates and Dolomitic Limestone Application on the Floristic Composition of a Permanent Dryland Pasture, in the Montado Agroforestry System of Southern Portugal.

Simple SummaryThe Montado is a characteristic ecosystem of the Mediterranean region, where agricultural activities, animal production and forestry coexist alongside tourism, hunting and leisure activities. Animal grazing is fundamental for the conservation of the Montado, and it is imperative to clearly understand its interactions with the pasture floristic composition (PFC) of the Montado. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sheep grazing, stocking rates and dolomitic limestone application on the floristic composition of permanent dryland pastures, in the Montado agroforestry system of Southern Portugal. The type of grazing influences the PFC, which may be positively or negatively impacted, depending on the adopted system. Deferred grazing seems to benefit the disappearance of undesirable plants and the appearance of desired plants. The results of this study allow for more informed management decisions and a potential increase in animal production but also improve the knowledge of conservation strategies in the Montado.The Montado is a complex agroforestry–pastoral ecosystem due to the interactions between soil–pasture–trees–animals and climate. The typical Montado soil has an acidic pH and manganese toxicity, which affect the pasture’s productivity and pasture floristic composition (PFC). The PFC, on the other hand, can also be influenced by the type and intensity of grazing, which can lead to significant decreases in the amount of biomass produced and the biodiversity of species in the pasture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of grazing type, by sheep, and different stocking rates on the PFC throughout the vegetative pasture cycle in areas with and without dolomitic limestone application. Thus, four treatments (P1UC to P4TC) were constituted: P1UC—without limestone application (U) and continuous grazing (CG); P2UD—U and deferred grazing (DG); P3TD—with the application of limestone (T) and DG; P4TC—T and CG. In DG plots, the placement and removal of the animals were carried out as a function of the average height of the pasture (placement—10 cm; removal—3 to 5 cm). The PFC was characterized in winter, at the peak of spring and in late spring. The PFC data were subjected to a multilevel pattern analysis (ISA). The combination of rainfall and temperature influenced the pasture growth rates and consequently the height of the pasture at different times of the year. Therefore, with the different growth rates of the pasture throughout the year, the sheep remain for different periods of time in the deferred grazing treatments. In the four treatments, 103 plant species were identified. The most representative botanical families in the four treatments were Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae. ISA identified 14 bioindicator species: eight for the winter period, three for the late spring vegetative period and three for the TC treatment.

Global meta-analysis: Sparse tree cover increases grass biomass in dry pastures

Agricultural and ecological droughts, extreme heat and aridity have high impacts on livestock and pasture systems worldwide. Finding ways to adapt production systems and increase biomass under these new conditions is urgently needed. The availability of tree shade in these pastures could potentially ameliorate the impacts of warm weather. Yet, the effects of tree cover on the productivity of livestock rangelands are hotly debated. We performed a global meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of tree cover on grass biomass during contrasting seasons within the same system and along environmental gradients in tropical and temperate productive systems. We also assessed the levels of canopy density at which tree cover effects are observable. We observed that trees facilitate grass biomass during dry seasons, especially in the tropics and dry regions. These positive effects are more likely to occur at intermediate levels of evapotranspiration and irradiance. Our findings suggest that integrating trees in pastures might increase resilience of current livestock production systems to drier and warmer conditions.

Use of Unoccupied Aerial Systems to Characterize Woody Vegetation across Silvopastoral Systems in Ecuador

The trees in pastures are recognized for the benefits they provide to livestock, farmers, and the environment; nevertheless, their study has been restricted to small areas, making it difficult to upscale this information to national levels. For tropical developing countries, it is particularly important to understand the contribution of these systems to national carbon budgets. However, the costs associated with performing field measurements might limit the acquisition of this information. The use of unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) for ecological surveys has proved useful for collecting information at larger scales and with significantly lower costs. This study proposes a methodology that integrates field and UAS surveys to study trees on pasture areas across different terrain conditions. Our overall objective was to test the suitability of UAS surveys to the estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB), relying mainly on open-source software. The tree heights and crown diameters were measured on 0.1-hectare circular plots installed on pasture areas on livestock farms in the Amazon and Coastal regions in Ecuador. An UAS survey was performed on 1-hectare plots containing the circular plots. Field measurements were compared against canopy-height model values and biomass estimates using the two sources of information. Our results demonstrate that UAS surveys can be useful for identifying tree spatial arrangements and provide good estimates of tree height (RMSE values ranged from 0.01 to 3.53 m), crown diameter (RMSE values ranged from 0.04 to 4.47 m), and tree density (density differences ranging from 21.5 to 64.3%), which have a direct impact on biomass estimates. The differences in biomass estimates between the UAS and the field-measured values ranged from 25 to 75%, depending on site characteristics, such as slope and tree coverage. The results suggest that UASs are reliable and feasible tools with which to study tree characteristics on pastures, covering larger areas than field methods only.

Arboreal elements of the agricultural matrix as structural connecting devices in fragmented landscapes – A case study in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve

Agriculture is one of the main drivers of deforestation worldwide, generating highly fragmented landscapes that severely limit the mobility of forest species. Knowledge of the state of previously forested landscapes, taking into account all of its arboreal elements (including isolated trees, living fences, riparian corridors, and others) is a necessary first step to gaining a better understanding of the ecological dynamics of anthropic landscapes, and for designing conservation and management plans that enhance functional connectivity within these landscapes. We used high-resolution images (2.5 m/pixel) to identify all of the arboreal elements—from single tree crowns up to large forest fragments—for 40,000 ha of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve. We included isolated trees, usually ignored in most inventories of fragmented landscapes, but which together with the other arboreal elements play an important role as landscape connectors and extra habitat for many species. Using a graph theory approach, we assessed landscape connectivity at six inter-patch distances across open areas (from 50 to 500 m), and propose two strategies for improving landscape connectivity: the creation of woodland islets and the widening of forested riparian corridors in the agricultural matrix. The main arboreal elements that influenced connectivity were old-growth forest fragments and widespread treed living fences, each increasing connectivity by up to 57% (depending on the threshold distance), while riparian corridors and isolated trees contributed 38% and 6%, respectively. Isolated trees in pastures substantially increased the number of effective connections at all distances (>85%). The GIS-simulated restoration proposals to establish circular woodland islets (10 m radius) in the middle of open agricultural areas increased connectivity by 26%, while widening riparian corridors by up to 10 m per riverside increased it by 11%. Increasing the number of arboreal elements within the agricultural matrix at key sites would enhance landscape connectivity considerably, benefiting the organisms that live in forest remnants in the study area without the need to stop agricultural activities.

Influence of scattered trees in grazing areas on soil properties in the Piedmont region of the Colombian Amazon.

Trees dispersed in grazing areas are contribute to the sustainability of livestock systems. The interactions between trees and soil are ecological processes that allow the modification of the biology, fertility, and physics of the soil. This study was aimed to assess the influence of dispersed trees in pastures on soil properties in grazing areas for dual-purpose cattle systems in the Piedmont region of the Colombian Amazon. The work was done in grazing areas with scattered trees at the Centro de Investigaciones Amazónicas CIMAZ–Macagual in Florencia—Caquetá—Colombia. We evaluated the effect of five tree species, Andira inermis, Bellucia pentámera, Guarea Guidonia, Psidium guajava and Zygia longifolia, on soil properties (up to 30 cm soil depth) under and outside the influence of the crown. Under the tree crown, three points were systematically taken in different cardinal positions. This was done at a distance corresponding to half the radius of the tree crown. The sampling points in the open pasture area (out of crown) were made in the same way, but at 15 m from the crown border. The ANOVA showed significant interaction (P < 0.0001) between tree species and location for macrofauna abundance up to 30 cm soil depth. For this reason, we performed the comparison between locations for each tree species. Chemical soil variables up to 10 cm soil depth only showed interaction of tree species-location for exchangeable potassium (P = 0.0004). Soil physical soil characteristics up to 30 cm soil depth only showed interaction of tree species-location at 20 cm soil depth (P = 0.0003). The principal component analysis for soil properties explained 61.1% of the total variability of the data with the two first axes. Using Monte Carlo test, we found crown effect for all species. Trees help to control exchangeable mineral elements that can affect the soil, potentiate basic cations such as magnesium and potassium, increase the abundance of soil macrofauna; but some trees with high ground level of shade in grazing areas could increase soil compaction due to the greater concentration of cattle in these areas.

Carbon capture in three land use systems in the Colombian Amazonia

The main strategies to combat climate change are reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increasing carbon sinks in terrestrial ecosystems such as forests, forest plantations, and agroforestry systems. Deforestation and land use changes in the Amazonia bear great responsibility both for the fixation and emission of GHG. The aim of this research was to estimate the carbon stored in above-ground biomass of forests, rubber plantations (Hevea brasiliensis Muell Arg.), and trees in pastures in the Colombian Amazonia piedmont. Data was collected in 40 farms located in the rural area of the municipality of Belén de Los Andaquíes (Colombia). A total of 174 temporal sampling plots of 250 m2 each were established (80 in forests, 40 in rubber plantations and 54 in pastures with trees). In these plots, the diameter at breast height (dbh) was measured in trees with dbh ≥ 10 cm, and the above-ground biomass was estimated with allometric models for the Colombian Amazon. The carbon stored was 154.1 Mg ha-1 in forests, 1.4 Mg ha-1 in pastures with trees and 138.9 Mg ha-1 in rubber plantations. Positive changes for mitigation of climate change could be achieved through the conversion of agricultural areas, mainly pastures, to forests (+560 Mg CO2 ha-1). Likewise, if deforestation stops in the area, the estimated emissions reduction would be 0.16 Tg CO2 year-1.

Thinning forests or planting fields? Producer preferences for establishing silvopasture

Silvopasture is the intentional integration of trees, forages, and livestock. Benefits of this agroforestry practice include shade for livestock, nutritious forage, and reduced wind speed in pastures, as well as ecosystem services and tree products. The literature indicate that some livestock producers are interested in silvopasture, but little is known about their establishment preferences and if they vary by demographics or operation type. This study hypothesized that producers are equally interested in planting trees in pastures (planting) and reducing forest canopy and planting forages (thinning) to establish silvopasture, and that the effects of the potential benefits of silvopasture on their preferences are similar. To test these hypotheses, 307 livestock producers in Virginia, United States of America were surveyed about whether they prefer planting or thinning. Producers also were asked about the extent to which potential benefits of silvopasture affect their preferences. Nearly 25% of the 139 respondents (response rate = 45%) were ‘very interested’ in thinning, compared to 8% for planting. Animal performance and welfare was their primary goal, but forest management and whole-farm productivity also were important. Guidelines are needed for maintaining stand health and productivity when thinning and for improving tree protection and growth in pastures when planting to establish silvopasture.

Shade Modifies Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Low to Medium Production Dairy Cows at Pasture in an Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest System.

Simple SummaryThe husbandry of high-producing dairy cattle on pasture in tropical regions promotes heat stress and alters physiological and behavioral parameters. However, it is unknown how the physiological and behavioral responses of cows more adapted to tropical environments under heat stress conditions, with lower milk production under shaded pasture or full sun conditions. To respond to these questions, Gyr dairy and Girolando cows (5/8 Holstein 3/8 Gyr, and ½ Holstein ½ Gyr) were evaluated in full sun and under natural shade from trees. Behavioral, physiological, and morphological variables were measured, and it was concluded that shaded pasture for dairy zebu cows promotes animal welfare by mitigating animal surface temperature and increasing rumination time.Under conditions of high temperature, humidity, and incidence of solar radiation, dairy cows use behavioral changes as a strategy to decrease the metabolic heat production at pasture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavioral and physiological responses of Gyr and Girolando (5/8 Holstein 3/8 Gyr, and ½ Holstein ½ Gyr) dairy cows submitted to environments with and without shade. The experiment was conducted at Embrapa Cerrados (Technology Center for Dairy Zebu breeds—CTZL), Brasilia, Distrito Federal—Brazil, with 48 Gyr and Girolando cows total in the lactation group, with low to medium milk production, in full sun or shade with Eucalyptus urograndis (267 plants/ha−1). The physiological and behavioral characteristics evaluated were panting score, superficial temperature, and time spent grazing, ruminating, and lying down. Other traits included skin and coat thickness, hair diameter, density and length, and predominant coat color. In addition, body measurements, such as body length, the height of withers, chest circumference, and shin circumference, were measured. Shaded cows had 34% longer rumination times than cows in full sun (p = 0.01). With a temperature-humidity index ranging from 79 to 83, the rumination time was 1.7 times higher in cows under shade (p = 0.01) during a 24-h period of observation. There were no significant differences in the grazing time between the environments, but lying time was 23% longer in cows under the sun (p = 0.01). The panting score was not influenced by the environment (p = 0.17). Girolando cows had a 35% higher panting score than Gyr cows (p = 0.01) regardless of the environment. The panting score increased two and a half times during the afternoon compared with the morning (p = 0.01). The surface and rectal core temperatures had significant differences between treatments and time of the day. Body measurements were not different between cows in both environments, but there was a difference between breeds. The use of trees in pastures with a silvopastoral system for dairy zebu cows is indicated to improve grazing behavior, as well as time spent ruminating and lying down.

Small Landscape Elements Double Connectivity in Highly Fragmented Areas of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest in Brazil is a biodiversity hotspot, yet its diverse ecosystems and species are becoming increasingly threatened by habitat loss and extreme habitat fragmentation. Most habitat patches of Atlantic Forest are dispersed across agricultural landscapes (e.g., grazing and cropping) in relatively small and isolated fragments (80% &amp;lt; 50 ha). Forest fragments &amp;lt; 1 ha, scattered trees in pastures, tree lines on trenches and fences, and remnant riparian forest, collectively called here Small Landscape Elements (SLEs), are very common in this context. While these SLEs make up much of the Atlantic Forests footprint, very little is known about their role or impact on the persistence and conservation of species. In this study, we investigate the role of SLEs on landscape configuration, particularly their contribution toward landscape connectivity of individual species and the genetic flow of species between larger forest fragments. We randomly selected 20 buffers of 707 hectares within a 411,670 hectare area of the Atlantic Forest that was completely covered by forest in the past located in the south of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The forest cover randomly varied between these buffers. We used graph theory to measure landscape connectivity as the probability of connectivity for different disperser movement types between landscape knots (habitat patches). We used three estimated dispersal distances in the models: pollen disperser insect (50 m), low-mobility seed disperser bird (100 m) and high-mobility seed disperser bird (760 m). The SLEs together increased the probability of connection by roughly 50%, for all model dispersers, if compared to a theoretical baseline landscape containing no SLEs. Of all SLEs, riparian forests contribute the most toward enhancing landscape connectivity. In these highly fragmented landscapes, such as the Atlantic Forest (&amp;gt;70%), the position of SLEs within the landscapes was more important than their respective areas for connectivity. Although the landscapes were deeply fragmented, we showed that the presence of SLEs can increase connectivity and reduce further biodiversity loss in the Atlantic Forest.