The effects of light, moderate, and heavy Black Brant (Branta bernicla) gosling herbivory on Carex subspathacea grazing lawns and slough levee vegetation were measured in this study. Forage production was not enhanced by grazing in either vegetation type. End of season biomass was reduced in C. subspathacea plots exposed to moderate and heavy grazing, while biomass in slough levees declined similarly in all grazing treatments over time. These results suggest that gosling herbivory of varying intensities can limit the amount of forage available during the fledgling season, which may affect the future survival and growth of goose populations in this area.
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