Various methods of pastoral intensification are being explored by producers in the northern Australian rangelands in order to increase production and improve economic performance. However, increased evenness of use and homogenisation of the landscape may have negative impacts on biodiversity. One component of a commercial-scale grazing trial in north-western Australia - the Pigeon Hole Project - is exploring the impacts on biodiversity of various grazing management strategies, and will develop recommendations for protecting biodiversity values under more intensive pastoral use. Sampling of plants, ants and vertebrates at 100 biodiversity monitoring sites commenced in 2003 and has provided a comprehensive baseline against which treatment effects can be assessed. No effects of the grazing treatments on the sampled biota have emerged after 2 years.
Renmark, South Australia
ISSN 1323 660
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.