Anderson and Shumar examined two clusters of paired plots grazed by jackrabbits in Idaho; one in an area also grazed by pronghorn with abundant winterfat (Ceratoides lanata), the other an old burn site, grazed by sheep in spring and fall; dominated by Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides) and green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus). Total vegetation cover was reduced at both sites, but there were no differences in individual species responses. This suggests that rabbit herbivory has a cumulative impact on numerous species rather than the heavy use of one. Winterfat and rabbitbrush plants outside the exclosures were completely eaten, but the significantly greater regrowth on browsed plants resulted in no differences in aboveground biomass. Productivity of spiny hopsage was reduced, but mortality in heavily browsed plants seemed rare, and this species also showed vigorous regrowth and longer leaves on browsed plants.
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