The spatial distribution and relative abundance of sheep, goats and kangaroos were assessed from extensive dung surveys following dry and wet periods in two paddocks in the rangelands of north -western New South Wales. The average total grazing densities in the two paddocks were 0.53 and 0.29 hectares per sheep equivalent, compared with an accepted regional average of 0.25. Sheep accounted for less than half of the total density and goats for much of the remainder. Goat densities were much higher than indicated in a recent survey of pastoralists' perceptions. The pattern of distribution of sheep and goats was closely correlated in both paddocks, but there was little evidence of association between sheep and kangaroos. The pattern of distribution of dung was not uniform or easily predictable, but showed variable associations with distance from water, vegetation preference and cover.
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.