Effects of Diet Selection by Goats Grazing on the Vegetation of a Protected Pine Forest in Doñana Natural Park (SW Spain)

We investigated the relationship between feeding selection by goats and changes in plant species abundance shrubland of a pine forest Doñana Natural Park along three years. The shrub was measured using point-intercept method. Goat preferences for were determined through direct observation. Goats showed selective feeding, since their browsing behavior not related to abundance. Myrtus communis overall preferred (almost half bites belonged this species, despite its low abundance) throughout monitored years seasons. Half selected some while discarded others; two never grazed (Daphne gnidium Thymus mastichina) nine others always ingested below Within year, consumed certain seasons but others. detected goats. influence that grazing selectivity exerts on vegetation composition has long been recognized, our study suggests mechanical effect herbivores (pawing, scratching, lying) may portrait more important role than attributed date.