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GRAZING AND CONSERVATION OF ARIDLAND AQUATIC SPECIES-ARE EXCLOSURES THE BEST STRATEGY?
Author
Tait, Cynthia
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
2016
Body

While the negative effects of intense livestock grazing on aridland aquatic species, such as desert fishes and amphibians, are well documented, less is known about impacts of more moderate grazing regimes, including variations in timing, duration, and intensity. Historically, land managers across the Great Basin reacted to overgrazing in lentic wetlands by building fenced exclosures. Frequently, however, recovering vegetation attains densities that occlude open water and banks, and managers resort to mowing or mechanically excavating the site to maintain optimal habitat for aquatic species. Evidence that is largely anecdotal suggests that these species benefit from a mosaic of vegetation densities and compositions. It may be that some level of well-managed grazing can achieve desired habitat conditions in wetlands if care is taken regarding intensity, seasonal timing, protection of breeding sites, and sufficient residual stubble to ensure adequate cover.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Conference Name
SRM Corpus Christi, TX
Collection
SRM Annual Meeting Abstracts