Joseph et al. examined two different levels of grazing intensity and the possible effects on wildlife numbers in the New Mexico State University Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center. Two pastures of light grazing (~35% utilization) and two pastures of moderate grazing (~45% utilization) were stocked with cattle year round. Wildlife sightings, as a whole, did not differ significantly between treatments, but did differ between years due to a 43% above normal precipitation for 1997. Birds as a whole, as well as mammals as a whole, did not differ significantly between treatments. Jackrabbits were more abundant on moderately grazed pastures. Joseph et al. showed that jackrabbits are prone to areas of lower vegetation and possibly more open ground. The authors emphasized the need for a mosaic pattern of grazing, from none to moderate utilization, to increase wildlife numbers on rangelands in the southwest.
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.