Temperatures were lower in the control plots compared to the uniform and mosaic plots following cattle (Bos taurus) grazing. Grasshopper (Ageneotettix deorum, Aulocara elliotti, Melanoplus sanguinipes, Melanoplus packardii, Camnula pellucida) abundance was highest in the control plots each year, until late July. Abundance in the mosaic plots were between those in the control and uniform plots. Grasshopper density decreased with increasing grazing intensity. Ungrazed microhabitats were shadier, cooler, less windy, and more humid than grazed areas. Heavily grazed sites had less shade and fewer elevated perches for cooling, whereas dense vegetation in the ungrazed sites did not allow for basking on the ground. This study suggests that cattle grazing could be applied to decrease pest grasshopper densities in certain 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.