Beever and Brussard determined that areas where feral horses have been removed have a higher RRR (realized richness of rodents) than sites where feral horses were currently occupying. Numerically, there were individuals found on the horse occupied site, but that was primarily due to one mouse species being quite abundant. However, there was no significant difference between reptiles in these two areas statistically. Beever and Brussard conclude that feral horse grazing can have an effect on the available habitat for small mammals, but that further research is needed in order to solidify the actual effects.
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.