Guenther and Detling used vegetation measurements and observations of cattle activity and location to determine cattle use and preference of habitat types in grassland pastures that contained prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) towns (up to 11% habitat composition). Intensive surveys indicated that cattle preferred swale habitat and that prairie dog towns were not preferred but were also not avoided. Vegetation at prairie dog towns was shorter than other habitat types but consisted of preferred species and cattle were observed grazing at a similar rate that they grazed on swale habitat for the majority of their time spent on prairie dog towns. The results indicate that species composition is not negatively affected by prairie dog towns and that cattle will graze in these areas, but not enough to suggest a preference, possibly due to the reduced height of the vegetation.
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.