Mediterranean herbaceous vegetation response to high animal density and grazing deferment: Implications for management and conservation

Widely -contrasting stocking rates and grazing schedule treatments were imposed upon a Mediterranean herbaceous community in northern Israel. Botanical composition was monitored for 3 years. The vegetative community was found to be highly resilient to the treatments. Perennial grasses and legumes were among the resilient plants. These results are consistent with the view that Mediterranean ecosystems have inherent adaptations to disturbances such-as grazing due to their long history of association with human activity. If these findings persist over time, they may affect the conceptual basis for sustainable grazing management in Mediterranean grasslands by allowing higher grazing pressures than are currently recommended. Moreover, heavy cattle grazing should then be considered as a potential management tool for maintaining high biodiversity in Mediterranean grassland ecosystems.