Although biomass of cattail (Typha latifolia) was different among playas, there was no difference in biomass between exclosed and unexclosed quadrants in playas of Texas. Herbivory, therefore, does not appear to serve as an important function in cattail dominated playa wetlands. Although some biomass may be lost to herbivorous small mammals and insects, essentially all biomass enters the detrital food web in playas dominated by cattail. Although the playas were frequently dry in this study, cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) had a minimal impact on cattail biomass, and they were likely feeding outside of the playa basin. In summary, herbivory is not important in the function of cattail playas and essentially all vegetation enters the detrital food web.
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