Is the analysis of plant community structure better than common species-diversity indices for assessing the effects of livestock grazing on a Mediterranean arid ecosystem?

Grazing in arid Mediterranean ecosystems brings about changes in species diversity, but the best way to measure such changes is unclear. In this study we compared various methods in order to identify indicators that might be useful for the management and conservation of grazed arid Mediterranean ecosystems.Changes in community structure and composition were compared along a previously studied grazing gradient in Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. Plant diversity was measured by calculating diversity (Shannon information index), evenness (Pielou index) and richness (species number). Rarefaction curves were used to measure plant species richness and the results were compared with traditional richness values. Community structure was measured as the percentage of bare ground and the coverage of overall perennial grasses, Stipa tenacissima L., perennial shrubs and annual plants. Our results showed that the proportion of bare ground, the cover of perennial shrubs and the relative abundance of S. tenacissima are good indicators of grazing effects on vegetation. Overall plant community structure was more sensitive to the grazing gradient than were the diversity indices. Finally, the adequacy of standardized methods for comparing species richness (i.e. rarefaction curves) along a grazing gradient are discussed.     

Seasonal changes in the relationship between species richness and community biomass in grassland under grazing and exclosure, Horqin Sandy Land, northern China

How species diversity–productivity relationships respond to temporal dynamics and land use is still not clear in semi-arid grassland ecosystems. We analyzed seasonal changes of the relationships between vegetation cover, plant density, species richness, and aboveground biomass in grasslands under grazing and exclosure in the Horqin Sandy Land of northern China. Our results showed that in grazed and fenced grassland, vegetation cover, richness, and biomass were lower in April than in August, whereas plant density showed a reverse trend. Vegetation cover during the growing season and biomass in June and August were higher in fenced grassland than in grazed grassland, whereas plant density in April and June was lower in fenced grassland than in grazed grassland. A negative relationship between species richness and biomass was found in August in fenced grassland, and in grazed grassland the relationship between plant density and biomass changed from positive in April to negative in August. The relationship between the density of the dominant plant species and the total biomass also varied with seasonal changes and land use (grazing and exclosure). These results suggest that long-term grazing, seasonal changes, and their interaction significantly influence vegetation cover, plant density, and biomass in grasslands. Plant species competition in fenced grassland results in seasonal changes of the relationship between species richness and biomass. Long-term grazing also affects seasonal changes of the density and biomass of dominant plant species, which further affects the seasonal relationship between plant density and biomass in grasslands. Our study demonstrates the importance of temporal dynamics and land use in understanding the relationship between species richness and ecosystem function.     

Changes in soil nutrients, vegetation structure and herbaceous biomass in response to grazing in a semi-arid savanna of Ethiopia

The effect of grazing was studied on vegetation structure, herbaceous biomass, basal and bare ground covers, together with soil nutrient concentrations in two locations in an Ethiopian semi-arid savanna. The lightly grazed sites had significantly higher herbaceous diversity, total abundance, basal cover and aboveground biomass, and a lower percentage of bare ground compared with the heavy grazed sites. Grazing pressure had no effect on the density and number of woody species as well as on the proportion of encroaching woody species. The light grazing sites had higher organic carbon, phosphorus and exchangeable bases, and therefore a higher pH and higher electrical conductance, indicating an improved soil nutrient status compared with heavy grazing sites, mainly attributed to the higher basal cover and standing biomass at light grazed sites, and the export of nutrients through grazing and dung collection from the heavily grazed sites. There were significantly higher soil nutrients, species diversity, aboveground biomass and basal cover in the light grazing sites compared with heavy grazing sites. We concluded that changes in herbaceous vegetation, standing biomass and soil compositions are caused by interactions between grazing, soil and vegetation, and these interactions determine the transitions of semi-arid savannas.     

Assessment of grazing effect on sheep fescue (Festuca valesiaca) dominated steppe rangelands, in the semi-arid Central Anatolian region of Turkey

In the semi-arid steppe rangelands of Central Turkey, Festuca valesiaca and Thymus sipyleus ssp rosulans have become the dominant species on degraded pastures. We hypothesized that decreases in species richness and abundance are correlated with increasing prevalence of these two species. Therefore, our objectives were to determine whether there are patterns in examined vegetation; how dominant species contribute to these patterns; and how patterns differ between grazed and ungrazed vegetation. We determined that protection from grazing increased species richness. Grazing significantly changed composition through decreasing total plant, forb, grass and F. valesiaca covers, while substantially increasing T. sipyleus cover. Topography, soil and grazing appear to impact the dominance of plant communities where F. valesiaca and T. sipyleus prevail. These two dominant species had a significant effect in shaping vegetation patterns. Based on regression analysis, alterations in species richness with changes in cover of forbs and shrubs were evident, and spatial heterogeneity of F. valesiaca and T. sipyleus indicated unstable vegetative patterns in heavily grazed pastures and successional changes in protected pastures. Our study results identify F. valesiaca and T. sipyleus as indicator species of vegetation suppression in condition assessments of degraded steppe rangelands.     

Desert grassland canopy arthropod species richness: temporal patterns and effects of intense, short-duration livestock grazing

Arthropods living in the canopies of two woody shrub species (a sub-shrub (Gutierrezia sarothrae) and a large shrub (Prosopis glandulosa)) and perennial grasses plus associated herbaceous species, were sampled on 18, 0.5 hectare plots in a Chihuahuan Desert grassland for five consecutive years. Mesquite shrubs were removed from nine plots, six plots were grazed by yearling cattle in August and six plots were grazed in February for the last 3 years of the 5 year study. Arthropod species richness ranged between 154 and 353 on grasses, from 120 to 266 on G. sarothrae, and from 69 to 116 on P. glandulosa. There was a significant relationship between the number of families of insects on grass and G. sarothrae and growing season rainfall but species richness was not a function of growing season rainfall on any of the plants. Several of the arthropod families that were the most species rich in this grassland were found on all of the plants sampled, i.e. Salticid spiders, Bruchid and Curculionid beetles, Cicadellid and Psyllid homopterans, and ants (Formicidae). There were more species rich families that were shared by grasses and the sub-shrub G. sarothrae than with mesquite. The absence of a relationship between growing season rainfall and species richness was attributed to variation in life history characteristics of arthropods and to the non-linear responses of annual and perennial desert grassland plants to rainfall.There were no significant differences in insect family or species richness on any of the plant types as a result of removal of mesquite (P. glandulosa) from selected plots. Intense, short duration (24 h) grazing by livestock during in late summer resulted in reduced species richness in the grass-herb vegetation layer but had no effect on insect species richness on snakeweed or mesquite shrubs. Livestock grazing in winter had no effect on insect species richness on any of the vegetation sampled.     

藏北高原高寒草地围栏禁牧和生长季降水对物种丰富度和多样性的影响(英文)

2009和2010年夏天沿藏北高原高寒草地样带调查了高寒草地生态系统(高寒草甸、高寒草原和荒漠草原)在围栏禁牧和自由放牧管理下的物种丰富度和多样性(Shannon-Wiener指数,Simpson优势度指数和Pielou均匀度指数)。研究结果显示:自2006年起藏北高原围栏禁牧在植被类型和区域尺度上没有显著改变物种丰富度和多样性。物种丰富度和多样性主要受生长季降水驱动,超过87%的变异可由生长季降水来解释。物种丰富度和多样性在自由放牧和围栏禁牧2类样地对生长季降水的响应方式一致。物种丰富度随降水呈指数型增长关系,多样性指数则呈现正线性关系。研究结果预示藏北高原地区生长季降水的变化对于物种丰富度和多样性管理至关重要,在未来高寒草地保护研究中应予以重视。     

沙质草地放牧和封育下物种丰富度和生物量关系的季节变化

研究了科尔沁沙质草地放牧和封育下植被盖度、密度、丰富度与地上生物量关系的季节变化。结果表明:放牧和封育草地4月的植被盖度、丰富度和生物量均低于生长旺季8月,而4月植物密度要高于8月;封育草地生长季盖度高于放牧草地,6月和8月生物量高于放牧草地, 4月和6月植物密度则低于放牧草地。封育草地8月物种丰富度与生物量呈极显著的负线性关系（p<0.01）;放牧草地植物密度与生物量4月表现出极显著的正线性关系（p<0.01）、8月为极显著的负线性关系（p<0.01）。放牧草地优势植物糙隐子草4月的密度和生物量呈极显著的正线性关系（p<0.01）、8月为极显著的负线性关系（p<0.01）;黄蒿和狗尾草8月的密度和生物量均呈极显著的负线性关系（p<0.01）;猪毛菜4月和6月的密度和生物量呈极显著的正线性关系（p<0.01）。封育草地达乌里胡枝子、猪毛菜8月的植物密度和生物量呈极显著的正线性关系（p<0.01）。持续放牧和季节变化及其二者的交互作用对植被盖度、密度和生物量均有重要的影响（p<0.05）;放牧通过影响草地生长季中的优势植物密度变化和生物量积累,引起了草地植物密度和生物量关系的季节变化,也导致生长季物种丰富度和生物量无显著关系;封育草地植物的竞争导致了物种丰富度和生物量关系的季节变化。     

Effect of sheep grazing on rangeland plant communities: Case study of landscape depressions within Syrian arid steppes

The arid rangelands of Syria cover over half of the nation's landmass. Punctuating this landscape are broad, dry basins, or wadis, and gentle landscape depressions that exhibit localized elevated vegetation productivity and unique edaphic and hydrologic properties. Historically, continuous heavy grazing and aggressive agricultural activities resulted in excessive ecological degradation within these sensitive environments. Information is needed to determine the influence of livestock grazing on plant communities in landscape depressions and the impact that this has on ecosystem resilience. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of short-term sheep grazing on vegetation characteristics and plant community structure within depressions, and to provide recommendations for improved grazing management. Study plots were randomly located within paired topographic depressions located in northwestern Syria. Vegetation samples were collected along transects including plant biomass, plant density, herbaceous cover, and species diversity. In grazed plots, plant biomass was 49 g DM/m² compared to 234.4 g DM/m² in protected plots. Average plant density was 65 plants/m² in grazed plots compared to 1013 plants/m² in protected plots (P = 0.001). Herbaceous cover was 175% higher on protected sites compared to grazed plots. Average diversity (Shannon–Wiener index value) was 0.8 in grazed plots compared to 2.3 in protected plots. These results suggest that plant community structure will be impacted from short-term grazing and that a site's ability to positively respond to disturbance over time may be limited. We conclude that carefully planned grazing management should result in greater plant productivity and diversity.     

Impact of rainfall variability and grazing pressure on plant diversity in Mongolian grasslands

Climate and grazing are the main drivers of plant community composition and species richness in arid environments. This study aimed to examine the vegetation response to a spatial precipitation gradient, interannual rainfall variability, and grazing pressure in Mongolia. To examine the effect of a spatial precipitation gradient, we compared species richness among six sites. To investigate the effects of interannual rainfall variability and grazing pressure, we compared species richness for 2 years at two sites, in desert-steppe and steppe areas. The regional gradient in annual precipitation showed positive and negative relationships with grass richness and shrub richness, respectively, although total species richness did not vary significantly. The proportions of the different functional groups were affected by grazing pressure and rainfall variability in both zones. In the desert-steppe zone, species richness was lower in the drier year but did not vary with grazing pressure. In the steppe zone, species richness varied significantly with grazing pressure but did not vary between years. Precipitation would be more important than grazing pressure on vegetation changes in drier areas with high rainfall variability.     

Influence of cattle grazing on population density and species richness of granivorous birds (Emberizidae) in the arid plain of the Monte, Argentina

Cattle grazing is an important disturbance in the Monte plain, reducing grass biomass and rates of fruit setting. Grass seeds are the most important food for granivorous birds (Emberizidae) during winter. The objective of this study was to test whether granivorous bird populations (Emberizidae), grass seed production, and vegetation structure differed at sites with different intensities of grazing. Emberizid density and species richness were higher in the ungrazed site than in the two grazed paddocks. Seed abundance was also higher in ungrazed vs. grazed sites. Woody vegetation, that serve as safe nest sites, did not differ among treatments. Granivorous bird populations seemed to be affected by cattle grazing; however, the main mechanisms of this process remain unknown.     

Effects of camel grazing on the ecology of small perennial plants in the Dubai (UAE) inland desert

Camel grazing is recognized as a primary cause of ecological degradation in the UAE. A study of perennial plant species <1 m in height was conducted along a fence separating continuously camel grazed land from land in which camels had been replaced by oryx and gazelle species for 5 years (Al Maha). Vegetation regeneration in Al Maha in the absence of camels was considerable on all substrates (gravel, stable sand, and semi-stable sand) but was greatest on the gravel substratum, indicating that ecology in this habitat is most at risk. Observed regeneration was primarily through vegetative reproduction and growth of existing plants, showing that existing species can tolerate heavy grazing. Therefore, an equilibrium grazing model of continuous and reversible vegetation dynamics is most suitable for management of this ecological zone. Species richness was greater in Al Maha due to the greater number of plants, but biodiversity was unaffected. There was some evidence of localized dune stabilization within Al Maha due to increased vegetative cover. Further recovery of vegetation within Al Maha is discussed. This study highlights the need for reduced grazing pressure throughout the Dubai inland desert, and in particular on gravel substrata.     

Changes in vegetation structure induced by domestic grazing in Patagonia (Southern Argentina)

We analyzed the structural differences associated with grazing exclusion on vegetation by studying 24 grazed-ungrazed paired sites in Patagonia (Argentina). Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of grazing on plant species composition, plant diversity, the relative abundance of plant functional types, and the vertical and horizontal structure of the plant community. This study across the shrub-grass steppes of Patagonia highlights some important characteristics of the vegetation response to a major disturbance factor we show that shrub encroachment is not a generalized response of the steppe to grazing. Grazed areas presented lower richness and diversity than exclosures. Physiognomic changes (as describe by relative abundance of plant functional types) were less important than those observed at the species level. These results shown that the status of the shrub-grass steppes of the Occidental district of Patagonia can not be characterized in terms of contrasting physiognomic states as in the case of the grass steppes of the Subandean district. Forbs and a few mesophytic and xerophytic grasses are the key elements to identify the condition of the steppe. Monitoring programs should focus on the relative abundance of these components.     

Vegetation heterogeneity in Monte Desert ecosystems: A multi-scale approach linking patterns and processes

We review the current state of research on vegetation heterogeneity in the Monte Desert at scales varying from landscape to intra-patch. Different factors are related to vegetation heterogeneity at every scale. At a coarse scale (i.e. landscapes and communities) vegetation heterogeneity is commonly determined by abiotic factors, whereas biotic interactions usually influence fine scale (patch, intrapatch) heterogeneity. Communities are distributed at the landscape scale according to differences in precipitation, topography and soil attributes. On the other hand, there is evidence that the spatial pattern of plant patches within communities is determined by runon –runoff processes, although biotic influences such as grazing can induce changes in the spatial pattern of patches when plant cover is strongly reduced. In the same way, at patch and intrapatch scales, biotic interactions (i.e. plant –plant interactions, grazing) determine the size and the species composition of plant patches as well as the distribution of species inside plant patches. However, the mechanisms operating behind such biotic interactions at small scales are commonly related to plant-induced changes in the physical environment. We also found evidence of cross-scale interactions, feedbacks, and non-linear effects such as those induced by grazing disturbance. Our analysis showed some regional differences in patterns and processes related to vegetation heterogeneity along the Monte Desert which can be ascribed to climatic and taxonomic variation among areas. Although information about vegetation heterogeneity and its causes and consequences in the Monte Desert is abundant, some areas where knowledge is scarce are detailed.     

Grazing effects on patchy dryland vegetation in northern Patagonia

In this study the spatial patterns and dynamics of vegetation patches along a grazing gradient in the steppe ofLarrea divaricataandStipaspp. in NE Patagonia (Argentina) are described. A general effect of grazing is the reduction of total plant cover resulting from the decrease in cover of perennial grasses (Stipa speciosa, Poa ligularis, Stipa tenuis) and some tall shrubs (Chuquiraga hystrix, Bougainvillea spinosa, Lycium chilense). Dwarf shrubs (Nassauvia fueguianaandJunellia seriphioides) increase their cover under medium and/or high grazing pressures. Plant species are spatially grouped into patches which alternate with areas of bare soil. Eleven types of vegetation patch differing in the dominant plant functional type or species, floristic richness and size were identified with different relative frequency along the grazing gradient. Based on these results, it is postulated that grazing forces the replacement of large patches dominated by tall shrubs with high species richness, byLarrea divaricatapatches or small dwarf shrub patches with low species richness and the extinction of grass patches. This results from: (1) disruption of local balances of species deletions and additions; (2) fragmentation of large patches; and (3) formation of new vegetation patches. These changes lead to differing plant spatial organization and heterogeneity along the grazing gradient which may be described by characteristic arrays of vegetation patches.     

Camel grazing affects species diversity and community structure in the deserts of the UAE

Camel grazing plays a crucial role in the desert ecosystems of the UAE. In this study, we compare areas grazed by small antelope (Al Maha Resort – the AMR) with areas grazed by both camels and small antelope (Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – the DDCR). A total of 126 plots were selected during the growing season 2006/07 on three soil substrates: gravel plains, sand flats and sand dunes. In each plot, several vegetation parameters were assessed: density, frequency, percent cover and diversity indices. The replacement of camels with wild antelope has significantly increased the number of species on gravel plains, vegetation density on sand dunes and diversity indices on both sand flats and sand dunes, but significantly decreased plant cover on sand flats and sand dunes. The increase in species diversity in the AMR was attributed to moderate grazing by antelope. Replacement of camels by antelope in the AMR has resulted in change in plant community composition of the three substrate types. Species recovered after protection from camel grazing are palatable, especially for camels, except Heliotropium kotschyi and Aerva javanica. The absence of most of the palatable species from the DDCR was attributed to both selective foraging and overgrazing by camels.     

Assessing mammal responses to perturbations in temperate aridlands of Argentina

Loss of species richness and reduced abundance have been the main responses to perturbations of small- and medium-sized mammals in arid and semi-arid areas. Nonetheless, some mammal species whose habitat requirements are met in disturbed patches may benefit from structural changes in the environment brought about by perturbations.In desert areas of Argentina different mammal responses are attributable to both a lower complexity of disturbed patches and a decrease in sheltered places. Therefore, species associated with high plant cover either decrease in number or become locally extinct at sites affected by fire or grazing, whereas species using open areas are favored by these events.The negative effects historically assigned to different disturbances may be mitigated by adopting a hierarchical approach that considers patch diversity in different successional stages as well as the multiple opportunities of patch occupation by mammal species.     

退化沙质草地土壤种子库和地上植被对封育的响应机理

从植物种和植物功能类群两个水平系统探讨退化沙质草地土壤种子库和地上植被对短期封育管理响应机理的研究尚不多。以内蒙古东部的科尔沁沙地退化沙质草地为研究对象,采取随机样方法对禁牧6 a的封育区及与其相邻的自由放牧草地的土壤种子库和地上植物群落的物种密度进行了比较研究,草本植物群落被区分为一年生禾本科植物、非禾本科一年生植物和多年生植物3个主要功能类群。利用测定数据,分析研究了短期禁牧封育对土壤种子库和地上群落不同植物种和各植物功能类群的生态恢复作用机理。主要研究结果是：①短期封育显著促进了退化沙质草地植被的生态恢复,但发现土壤种子库和地上植被对禁牧的响应模式和机理存在明显差异,短期禁牧使土壤种子库中所有3个植物功能类群的密度均得到显著提高,而仅提高了地上植被一年生禾本科植物和多年生植物两个类群的密度;相反,禁牧显著提高了地上植被所有3个功能类群的物种丰富度和多样性,仅提高了土壤种子库中多年生植物类群的物种多样性。②短期禁牧显著增加了地上植物群落组成中可食和优良牧草的比例,提高了草地的经济利用价值。主要结论是：短期禁牧封育是一种经济有效的提高退化沙质草地植被多样性、生产力及对植物群落物种组成和草地品质进行优化调控和改良的重要草地管理手段。研究建议,今后应重点开展不同禁牧时间下对退化沙质草地土壤种子库和地上植被多样性、生产力及其物种组成变化影响的长期生态学控制实验研究。     

基于幂函数法则对放牧梯度上种群空间异质性的定量分析

 在呼伦贝尔草原的克氏针茅群落选择轻牧、中牧、重牧3个不同的放牧梯度,沿着50 m样线设置100个50 cm×50 cm的L型样方,每个L型样方内划分4个25 cm×25 cm的S型样方,以物种出现的频度（p）作为植被空间分布的观测指标,采用幂函数法则对放牧梯度上草原植物群落物种的空间异质性进行了定量研究。结果表明,在不同放牧强度下,种类结构发生明显改变,轻度放牧区羊草和星状刺骨藜、中度放牧区藜和糙隐子草、重度放牧区猪毛菜和多根葱具有高的出现频度,群落物种数随着放牧压力的增大而减小。整体来看,放牧梯度上物种的空间分布呈现明显的聚集分布,物种空间异质性（δi）随着放牧强度的增大而增加,拟合于幂函数规律曲线;群落的空间异质性（δc）随着轻牧-中牧-重牧放牧演替的进展呈现降低趋势,种群个体分布呈现片断化特征。在群落内部各个种群具有不同的异质化分布特点,物种结构主要表现出密集型种群和疏散型种群两大类型。这些趋势与种群的繁殖策略、生活史对策、群落的再生产策略等生理与生态特性密切相关。     

放牧强度对科尔沁沙地沙质草地植被的影响

为了研究科尔沁沙地沙质草地在不同放牧强度下植被特征的变化规律,比较了围封、中度放牧、重度放牧3种条件下的植被盖度、群落组成、物种多样性、地上/地下生物量和凋落物量等植被特征的变化特征。结果表明:(1)围封、中度放牧和重度放牧沙质草地的优势植物均为一年生植物,但围封和中度放牧中多年生禾本科植物优势度高于重度放牧,重度放牧沙质草地一年生植物所占优势度最大;(2)放牧强度对沙质草地植被盖度、地上生物量及凋落物量有显著影响。随着放牧强度的增加,植被盖度、地上生物量和凋落物量均降低;(3)围封、中度放牧和重度放牧沙质草地物种丰富度及多样性差异均不显著;(4)放牧强度和土壤深度及其交互作用均能影响地下生物量。随着放牧强度的增加,总的地下根系生物量减小。而重度放牧草地中, 3个土壤深度间地下根系生物量差异不显著。放牧改变了沙质草地植物群落的组成、极大降低了植被盖度和生产力;尤其是重度放牧急剧增加了一年生植物的优势、且对浅层根分布的减少影响最大。     

Effects of grazing and climate change on species diversity in sandy grassland, Inner Mongolia, China

To understand the effects of animal grazing activities and climate change on sandy grassland vegetation in northern China, a field grazing and protected enclosure experiment was conducted from 1992 through 2006 in Horqin Sand Land, Inner Mongolia. The results showed that (1) the grazing was primary responsible for changes of the vegetation richness and diversity in the grazing grassland and that changing climate was the main reason for changes in the species richness and diversity in the grassland protected from grazing; (2) light and moderate grazing can promote restoration of the richness and the diversity in the degraded grassland, and heavy grazing could result in a decrease of the richness and diversity; (3) heavy grazing can result in significant decrease of the perennial diversity, and moderate and light grazing promotes increase of the perennial diversity; the grazing, whether heavy or moderate and light grazing, was beneficial to increase of the annual diversity; (4) heavy grazing was not beneficial to diversity of Graminean and Chenopodiaceae, and moderate and light grazing was favorable the diversity of Compositae and Chenopodiaceae; (5) the warm-humid climate was favorable to increase of the richness and the diversity, and the warm-drought climate could result in decease of the richness and the diversity; (6) increased precipitation was favorable to perennial diversity and the diversity of Graminean, Leguminosae, and Compositae, and decreased precipitation had few effects on the annual diversity and Chenopodiaceae diversity.