Chapter 1 contains a general discussion of the basic principles of grazing management and is written to provide a conceptual framework to integrate the remaining nine chapters. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the nutritional aspects of grazing animals with specific attention on the animal's various morphological and physiological adaptations utilized to garner sufficient resources to meet a specific set of nutrient requirements. Chapter 3 addresses the foraging behavior of grazing animals in relation to the adjustments required to facilitate nutrient acquisition in various plant communities. The physiological and morphological consequences of defoliation on individual plants and their implication to population and community structure are considered in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 expands upon these concepts and focuses on the long-term impacts of herbivory on ecological succession and ecosystem stability and function. The consequences of biomass removal, shifts in species composition and the physical impact of herbivores on the hydrological characteristic of plant communities are the subject of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 defines how livestock production is influenced by animal numbers, kind and class, and temporal and spatial distribution of animals in a wide array of management regimes. Indigenous wildlife populations occupy many rangelands so Chapter 8 contrasts needs of wildlife and livestock with emphasis on the concept of critical habitat requirements. Chapter 9 evaluates the socio-economic aspects of grazing management decision processes. Chapter 10 provides a discussion of the management planning process for developing effective grazing management strategies.
Articles, citations, reports, websites, and multimedia resources focused on rangeland ecology, management, restoration, and other issues on American rangelands.