Lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) disturb aquatic and semi-aquatic plant species while foraging in the saltmarsh regions of La Perouse Bay, on the Hudson Bay coast. The production of vegetative propagules is enhanced by the foraging activities of geese. Large numbers of leaves, shoots, and rooted tillers are released into the environment; some of these establish in soft sediment. Experimental studies show that these different types of plant fragments are capable of developing into mature plants when planted in pots filled with coastal sediment and when planted directly in saltmarsh sediments. The activities of the herbivore result in both the destruction of existing swards and the production of propagules capable of recolonizing disturbed areas affected by the geese.
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.