DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2013.06.004
Scopus记录号: 2-s2.0-84880435547
论文题名: Habitat selection by cattle in Foothill landscapes following variable harvest of aspen forest
作者: Kaufmann J. ; Bork E.W. ; Alexander M.J. ; Blenis P.V.
刊名: Forest Ecology and Management
ISSN: 0378-1127
出版年: 2013
卷: 306 起始页码: 15
结束页码: 22
语种: 英语
英文关键词: Cattle stocking
; GPS
; Livestock behavior
; Logging debris
; P. tremuloides
; Sapling density
Scopus关键词: Cattle stocking
; Habitat preferences
; Habitat selection
; Livestock behavior
; P. tremuloides
; Populus tremuloides
; Sapling densities
; Sharp increase
; Ecosystems
; Global positioning system
; Ocean habitats
; Forestry
; biomass
; cattle
; clearcutting
; deciduous forest
; forest management
; GPS
; habitat selection
; habitat type
; harvesting
; livestock farming
; logging (timber)
; sapling
; stocking density
; Animals
; Ecosystems
; Forestry
; Logging
; Positioning
; Saplings
; Alberta
; Canada
英文摘要: Logging of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) forests on public grazing land in west central Alberta creates a mosaic of habitat types that may alter cattle (Bos taurus) use of these landscapes. We used an extensive network of field plots and global positioning system (GPS) collars deployed on cattle within four experimental pastures, each containing a mix of uncut forest, clear cut forest, partially harvested areas, and in-block haul roads, to examine habitat preferences during mid-summer grazing in 2008 and 2009. We also examined the effect of two cattle stocking rates the first year. Although cattle removed similar amounts of forage in all habitats, GPS data indicated cattle spent more time in uncut forests, and avoided clear cuts and in-block haul roads during both years, patterns that remained consistent under either livestock stocking rate tested. Observed patterns of habitat use were attributed to conservative cattle stocking rates consistent with or greater than those allocated on publicly grazed forest land in Alberta, combined with specific habitat attributes. Preferred use of uncut forest was attributed in part to favorable forage quality, which was positively associated with cattle utilization (standardized β= +0.13) among plots. Although forage use by cattle of plots also increased with forage biomass (β= +0.33), sharp increases in biomass following clear cut logging appeared to be offset by reductions in forage use associated with increased slash cover (β= -0.12) and sapling density (β= -0.11), both of which may have impeded cattle access. As a result, forage removal remained similar among habitats. Finally, cattle use of forage decreased with increasing distance from water (β= -0.22), highlighting the importance of ensuring reliable access to water across forested pastures to prevent localized overuse. Overall, the reduced time cattle spent in clear cut habitats coupled with similar forage removal suggests that under low cattle stocking rates, grazing can be compatible with deciduous forest management in the region. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. Citation statistics:
资源类型: 期刊论文
标识符: http://119.78.100.158/handle/2HF3EXSE/66411
Appears in Collections: 影响、适应和脆弱性
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作者单位: Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 410E Agriculture/Forestry Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; Public Lands Division, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Pincher Creek, AB, Canada; Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 751 General Services Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada; Box 1375, Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0, Canada
Recommended Citation:
Kaufmann J.,Bork E.W.,Alexander M.J.,et al. Habitat selection by cattle in Foothill landscapes following variable harvest of aspen forest[J]. Forest Ecology and Management,2013-01-01,306