Depending on the scale of observation and on the factors that determine animal distribution, grazing patterns may be stronger or weaker than vegetation patterns, or may mirror the spatial structure of vegetation. Case studies from the literature support the author's predictions, although ecosystems characterized by strong plant-soil interactions present important exceptions. Although, it is known that grazing processes can cause plant heterogeneity to increase, it is unclear exactly how grazing decreases heterogeneity. The authors suggest that neighborhood interactions, at the individual plant scale, rather than large disturbance events or underlying environmental conditions, may be the reason for the decrease in heterogeneity in some areas.
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.