Goguen and Mathews found that cattle grazing has no direct effect on species richness, species abundance or nesting success. They compared two pinyon-juniper woodland sites; one that had been ungrazed for 20 years and one on a three season, moderate-use grazing plan. The authors found that moderate grazing did not alter the vegetation structure in this area. However, cattle grazing may have an indirect effect on nesting success by creating ideal habitat for cowbirds, which has devastating effects on songbird nests.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. Rangeland Science Information System (RSIS) is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.