Increased cattle (Bos taurus) stocking densities correlated to an increase in the percentage of nests trampled, and was greatest between 8 and 17 hd/ha especially during the first three days of grazing. This study found the hypothesis true that ground-nesting birds were negatively impacted by stock densities greater than 2.5 AU/ha. In particular, simulated nests in this study were susceptible to trampling at stock densities exceeding 10 hd/ha. The location of the nest did not increase or decrease the chance of trampling, as it appeared to be a random process.
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.