To evaluate streambank fencing as a management tool, for two years Homyack and Giuliano measured the richness, abundance, and biomass of reptile and amphibian species on 10 grazed streams and associated riparian areas and 10 similar areas that were recently fenced (1-2 yrs) to exclude livestock. Species richness, abundance, and biomass of herpetofauna did not differ between grazed and ungrazed sites. Ungrazed sites had a higher litter cover percent, while grazed sites had a higher percent ground cover. Water quality variables did not differ between grazing treatments. Birds, small mammals, and fish appear to benefit relatively quickly from streambank fencing, whereas most reptiles and amphibians need > 4 years to recover. Thus, any plan to improve agricultural land for wildlife should include a long-term commitment to streambank fencing as a management tool to protect stream and riparian species, with recovery from grazing possibly taking from a few years to several decades.
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.