Swengel sampled butterflies in tallgrass prairie, open savannas, and pine barrens managed both for conservation and production over 9 years. For 2 of 3 specialist species in Missouri, less intensive treatments, such as haying and grazing, or were generally preferred. In other areas, burning and rest tended to produce the least favorable habitats, with haying and mowing producing the highest species counts. Less specialized species preferred grazed areas to those hayed or mowed. Swengel suggests that consistent management on specific sites, while applying a range of management options on different sites may achieve the greatest success for butterfly conservation.
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.