Get reliable rangeland science

Successful management for wildlife habitat on unhealthy rangelands requires the improvement of biodiversity and restoring ecosystem structure and function. Higher biodiversity influences the presence of a suite of species that contribute to a continuum of resources across trophic levels providing stability in the ecosystem. Understanding the need to improve biodiversity to promote wildlife habitat, multiple restoration treatments in desert grasslands on the O2 Ranch in Brewster and Presidio Counties, Texas have been implemented over the past decade. In 2014, twelve Modified-Whittaker nested sampling plots were established to monitor plant biodiversity within treatment areas. Sampling occurred in areas treated with Spike only and areas treated with Spike followed by prescribed fire. Forb diversity was significantly higher in areas of Spike and prescribed fire (P < 0.001). Within monitoring areas, a little-known forb species was rediscovered (Plateilema palmeri) that has remained unobserved in the US since 1929. The presence of this species has prompted further biological study of its ecological role and microhabitat. Plateilema palmeri appears to have importance to wildlife and invertebrate populations within these desert grasslands, thus contributing to trophism and overall ecological health. To better understand this species habitat and range, a species distribution model (SDM) has been created. SDMs are valuable tools in assisting managers towards decisions regarding habitat selection and management for plant and wildlife species. In conjunction with inventory and monitoring data, SDMs may help to identify target areas for restoration of wildlife habitats. This systems approach in understanding how species are distributed throughout the general landscape, or in microhabitats, can assist managers in working together with ecosystem processes and ecological factors towards enhancing biodiversity and promoting ecological stewardship. The O2 Ranch will use this SDM for P. palmeri in management decisions regarding further restoration for grazing areas and wildlife habitat management.