Modelling changes in abundance of plant species under seasonal sheep grazing: a methodological study using expert knowledge
نویسندگان
چکیده
Experts were interviewed on the grazing preferences of sheep in upland vegetation types and on the responses of plants to grazing. A qualitative model of direction of change in species abundance given different seasonal sheep grazing management regimes was constructed with the expert information. The model was tested against empirical data of sward responses to summer-only grazing. The approach taken and the potential uses of the model are described and the implications discussed.
منابع مشابه
Assessment of Expert Opinion: Seasonal Sheep Preference and Plant Response to Grazing
Expert opinion was sought on 2 issues relating to herbivory: seasonal sheep preferences for plant species and seasonal plant response to grazing. Expert opinion is commonly used to parameterize models: it is therefore important to assess its quality. Understanding the limitations of expert knowledge can allow prioritization of future research. Nine experts in plant or grazing ecology from Scotl...
متن کاملDetermination of copper status of grazing sheep: seasonal influence
A study was conducted to determine the copper status of different classes of grazing sheep during twodifferent seasons on a farm located in southern Punjab, Pakistan. A complete free-choice supplement wasavailable to all animals throughout the year. Soil, forage and blood plasma from animals were taken eighttimes during the year (2005) (four times in both summer and winter seasons). Soil Cu2+ w...
متن کاملInteractive effects of large herbivores and plant diversity on insect abundance in a meadow steppe in China
The structure and dynamics of insect community in grasslands can be influenced by grazing management via altered characteristics of plant community. However, attempts to better understand the complex relationships among plants, insects, and large herbivores is still hampered largely by the interactive effects of plants, insects, and large grazers on each other. In this study, we test the hypoth...
متن کاملComparing the Palatability of Some Plant Species for Sheep Grazing (Case Study: Rangelands of Deh- Shiekh in Kohkiloyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province)
Awareness of rangelands plants palatability is required for estimating available forage to animals in all plant communities. In this research recording method was used to determine species palatability in rangelands of Deh- Shiekh in Kohkiloyeh and Boyer Ahmad Province. Three perennial species including Gundelia tournefortii, Bromus tomentellus, Hordeum bulbosum and two annual species of Agelup...
متن کاملشکست تصادفی آشیان اکولوژیک گونههای گیاهی مراتع در اثر چرای حیوانات (مطالعۀ موردی: شهرستان بروجن، استان چهارمحال بختیاری)
Species relative abundance have closely related to ecological niche of plant communities. The broader specie ecological niche for food sources the greater relative abundance of plant species. Species abundance distributions models can be are divided into two groups Statistical and biological models. In this study we aimed to investigate how animal grazing (Long time grazing exclusion, Grazing a...
متن کامل