Wambolt and Sherwood examined the effects of long-term ungulate browsing on big sagebrush plant communities, within the Yellowstone winter range, using exclosures that were 32-39 years old. Compared to browsed areas, canopy cover and density of big sagebrush plants was much greater inside exclosures. Winter forage produced by big sagebrush plants was also greater inside exclosures, due to the increased production of forage by individual plants and the increased density of plants in these protected areas. The results of this study indicate that large ungulate browsing is limiting the production and growth of big sagebrush on the Yellowstone winter range. Authors suggest that current ungulate populations should be reduced to preserve this habitat for future wildlife populations.
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