Research cited by Painter and Belsky (1993) may have demonstrated overcompensation or compensatory growth by individual plants in response to harvesting. Patten states that when considering the application of this research to grazing effects of native herbivores, it is difficult to find a 'real world' example in which overcompensation has helped maintain or improve a range. Heavy grazing by elk (Cervus elaphus) in Yellowstone National Park caused some areas to be dominated by exotic grasses, while shrubby species were heavily browsed. High-elevation rangeland conditions deteriorated in the Southwest where elk and cattle both grazed. Most native range grasses in the West probably evolved with grazing, but this was most likely migratory grazing that occurred annually or less often. According to Patten, under present management schemes for both domestic and native ungulates, including grasses, forbs, and woody species, this has been disastrous. Certainly, the theories of herbivore optimization, overcompensation, and even compensatory growth in relation to grazing has not proven themselves on a community or ecosystem basis.
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.