Managing open habitats for species conservation: the role of wild ungulate grazing, small-scale disturbances, and scale

Study Extent

The effect of wild ungulate grazing was studied in three successional stages (sites): (i) Corynephorus canescens-dominated grassland (Cory site) which can be considered a pioneer stage, (ii) ruderal tall forb vegetation dominated by Tanacetum vulgare (Rud site) and (iii) Pinus sylvestris-pioneer forest (PF sites), which are later successional stages on loamy and sandy substrates, respectively. Successional stages were distributed mosaic-like across the study area. Each successional stage was studied in three independent sites. In each successional stage, six paired monitoring plots of permanently grazed vs. ungrazed plots (exclosures) were arranged in three random blocks, resulting in a total number of 18 plots. The study was conducted over three years (2001-2003). All areas have been grazed by wild ungulates since 1999, and the experiment started with establishing exclosures in March 2001. To record dynamics at different scales, nested plots (0.25 m2 – 4 m2 – 40 m2) were used. Presence-absence data for each plant species was censused at all scales. Percentage of open soil, of woody species and the number of species were estimated separately for all plot sizes.

Sampling

In each plot, percentage cover of each lichen and plant species, including mosses and percentage cover of woody plants, was recorded following Londo (1984). The percentage cover of topsoil biological crust composed of cyanobacteria, green algae, mosses and lichens was also recorded. Recording took place in June and July in 2001 (i.e. 3 months after establishing of exclosures) and 2003 and in May and Jun in 2002, because the vegetation period started earlier in that year. The sampling time allowed including early annuals. Tragopogon pratensis, Achillea millefolium and Vicia tetrasperma were identified to the aggregate level.

Method steps

1. -

Each lichen and plant species, including mosses and woody plants was recorded.

1. Plantae
   rank: kingdom

Naturpark Nuthe-Nieplitz, Wildgehege Glauer Tal