Response of birds to grazing of riparian zones
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Published source details
Popotnik G.J. & Giuliano W.M. (2000) Response of birds to grazing of riparian zones. Journal of Wildlife Management, 64, 976-982.
Published source details Popotnik G.J. & Giuliano W.M. (2000) Response of birds to grazing of riparian zones. Journal of Wildlife Management, 64, 976-982.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Employ grazing in artificial grasslands/pastures Action Link |
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Employ grazing in artificial grasslands/pastures
A replicated controlled study in Washington County, Pennsylvania, USA, found that cattle-grazed stream-side riparian pasture had lower bird species richness and abundance than ungrazed areas (Popotnik & Giuliano 2000). Birds, nests and vegetation were surveyed along 12 pairs (grazed and control) of streams in 1996 and ten pairs in 1997. Several wetland-riparian species (e.g. common snipe Gallinago gallinago, green-backed heron Butorides striatus and solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria) were more frequent or only occurred in controls. The authors suggest differences are largely due to simplified vegetation structure and reduced cover. Nest densities were higher in controls and nest destruction by cattle occurred in grazed areas, although nest success (all species combined) was not affected by grazing.
