Livestock grazing limits beaver restoration in northern New Mexico
Published source details Small B.A., Frey J.K. & Gard C.C. (2016) Livestock grazing limits beaver restoration in northern New Mexico. Restoration Ecology, 24, 646-655.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
|---|---|---|
Reduce intensity of grazing by domestic livestock Action Link |
Reduce intensity of grazing by domestic livestock
A replicated, site comparison study in 2013 in a forested area in New Mexico, USA (Small et al. 2016) found that an absence of cattle grazing was associated with higher numbers of North American beavers Castor canadensis. The relative frequency of beaver dams was higher in the absence of cattle grazing than where cattle grazing was present (data presented as odds ratios). Data were collected along 57 sections of river, each 200 m long, of which 29 had beaver dams and 28 did not have beaver dams, though physical conditions were suitable for their construction. Field data were collected between 15 May and 15 August 2013. Livestock grazing was assessed by collating information on grazing consents and by surveying ungulate faeces.
(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
