Van Auken documents woody species population changes in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas. Photographic evidence showed a lack of Mexican juniper (Juniperus ashei) seedlings in evergreen woodlands, and a high number of seedlings in the heavily grazed grassland areas of the Edwards Plateau. High densities of Mexican juniper seedlings in the grasslands are apparently due to heavy grazing. Lack of Mexican juniper seedlings in mature juniper stands may be due to shade intolerance, whereas the low number of oak (Quercus spp.) seedlings is likely linked to the increased density of large herbivores. The limited bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) seedlings, in riparian forest communities, may be due to light limitations and a lack of safe sites for seedlings to establish.
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.