Chapman and Ribic looked at the effect of buffer strips, farming and different grazing regimes on the presence of small mammal species in southwest Wisconsin. Small mammals were overwhelmingly more abundant in the stream-side buffer strips than in the MIRG (managed intensive rotational grazing) or crop field (corn and soybean). Even though the MIRG plots provided ample cover when they were in the rest stage, the small mammal numbers were still much lower than the undisturbed buffer strips. Champan and Ribic do not suggest that all farms change their cropland to MIRG pastures, but equal mix of both can allow for sufficient mammal habitat while leaving the landowner the ability to maintain ample crop land.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.