Exploring relationships between native vertebrate biodiversity and grazing land condition
Scott A. Parsons A , Alex Kutt B , Eric P. Vanderduys C , Justin J. Perry C and Lin Schwarzkopf A D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
B Bush Heritage Australia, Level 1, 395 Collins St, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.
C CSIRO Land and Water, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: lin.schwarzkopf@jcu.edu.au
The Rangeland Journal 39(1) 25-37 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ16049
Submitted: 26 May 2016 Accepted: 4 January 2017 Published: 3 February 2017
Abstract
Although commercial grazing can degrade natural habitats, sustainably grazed land may be effective for wildlife conservation. Thus, land condition frameworks that assess the landscape quality of grazed land may also be useful for assessment of habitat quality for wildlife. However, the relationship between the condition of grazed land and native biodiversity is mostly unknown, and this knowledge gap must be addressed to adequately balance commercial production and conservation. In the present case study we determined the relevance of a widely used grazing land condition scale to understanding native vertebrate species richness and abundance (birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and all these vertebrate classes grouped) in grazed rangelands in northern Australia (~24–13°S; annual rainfall ranging from >1200 to <400 mm), sampled over approximately 10 years from 17 unique sites, containing 381 1-ha study plots. We defined the land condition scale relative to climate and comprehensive assessment of habitat attributes, and then described the relationships between land condition, habitat and biodiversity. The land condition scale partially explained richness and abundance patterns only for mammals (especially rodents), which tended to be higher in better-condition pasture. For other vertebrate groups, the scale was a very poor descriptor of richness and abundance. The land condition scale was not useful to assess wildlife diversity primarily because ‘woody thickening’ (increases in woody vegetation on grazed land, including shrubs and trees) lowers the ‘grazing value’ of land while also generally promoting vertebrate diversity. In line with this, biodiversity decreased with increasing bare ground and erosion, together with, and in the absence of, vegetation cover (i.e. desertification), consistent with grazing land degradation. The present study supports observations that land clearing and reductions in woody vegetation on grazed rangelands are particularly detrimental to native vertebrates.
Additional keywords: biodiversity conservation, grasslands, land condition index, land management, rangeland ecology, savanna woodlands.
References
Abom, R., Vogler, W., and Schwarzkopf, L. (2015). Mechanisms of the impact of a weed (grader grass, Themeda quadrivalvis) on reptile assemblage structure in a tropical savannah. Biological Conservation 191, 75–82.| Mechanisms of the impact of a weed (grader grass, Themeda quadrivalvis) on reptile assemblage structure in a tropical savannah.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Albuquerque, F., and Beier, P. (2015). Global patterns and environmental correlates of high-priority conservation areas for vertebrates. Journal of Biogeography 42, 1397–1405.
| Global patterns and environmental correlates of high-priority conservation areas for vertebrates.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ash, A. J., McIvor, J. G., Corfield, J. P., and Winter, W. H. (1995). How land condition alters plant–animal relationships in Australia’s tropical rangelands. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 56, 77–92.
| How land condition alters plant–animal relationships in Australia’s tropical rangelands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Asner, G. P., and Archer, S. R. (2009). Livestock and the global carbon cycle. In ‘Livestock in a Changing Landscape: Drivers, Consequences and Responses’. (Eds H. Steinfeld, H. A. Mooney, F. Schneider and L. E. Neville.) pp. 69–82. (Island Press: Washington, DC.)
Asner, G. P., Elmore, A. J., Olander, L. P., Martin, R. E., and Harris, A. T. (2004). Grazing systems, ecosystem responses and global change. Annual Review of Environment and Resources 29, 261–299.
| Grazing systems, ecosystem responses and global change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Barton, K. (2011). ‘MuMIn: Multi-model Inference. R Package Version 1.0.0.’ (R Foundation for Statistical Computing: Vienna, Austria.)
Bates, D., Maechler, M., and Bolker, B. (2012). ‘lme4: Linear Mixed-effects Models Using Eigen and S4 Classes, R Package Version 1.1–7.’ (R Foundation for Statistical Computing: Vienna, Austria.)
Bosch, O. J. H., and Booysen, J. (1992). An integrative approach to rangeland condition and capability assessment. Journal of Range Management 45, 116–122.
| An integrative approach to rangeland condition and capability assessment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Burnham, K. P., and Anderson, D. R. (2002) ‘Model Selection and Multimodel Inference: A Practical Information–Theoretic Approach.’ (Springer Science & Business Media: New York.)
Burnham, K. P., and Anderson, D. R. (2004). Multimodel inference understanding AIC and BIC in model selection. Sociological Methods & Research 33, 261–304.
| Multimodel inference understanding AIC and BIC in model selection.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cade, B. S. (2015). Model averaging and muddled multimodel inferences. Ecology 96, 2370–2382.
| Model averaging and muddled multimodel inferences.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Chilcott, C. R., Paton, C. J., Quirk, M. F., and McCallum, B. S. (2003). ‘Grazing Land Management Education Package Workshop Notes, Burnett.’ (Meat and Livestock Australia: Sydney, NSW.)
Cingolani, A. M., Noy-Meir, I., and Díaz, S. (2005). Grazing effects on rangeland diversity: a synthesis of contemporary models. Ecological Applications 15, 757–773.
| Grazing effects on rangeland diversity: a synthesis of contemporary models.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Curry, P. J., and Hacker, R. B. (1990). Can pastoral grazing management satisfy endorsed conservation objectives in arid Western Australia? Journal of Environmental Management 30, 295–320.
| Can pastoral grazing management satisfy endorsed conservation objectives in arid Western Australia?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Díaz, S., Lavorel, S., McIntyre, S., Falczuk, V., Casanoves, F., Milchunas, D. G., Skarpe, C., Rusch, G., Sternberg, M., Noy-Meir, I., Landsberg, J., Zhang, W., Clark, H., and Campbell, B. D. (2007). Plant trait responses to grazing: a global synthesis. Global Change Biology 13, 313–341.
| Plant trait responses to grazing: a global synthesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Dixon, P., and Palmer, M. W. (2003). VEGAN, a package of R functions for community ecology. Journal of Vegetation Science 14, 927–930.
| VEGAN, a package of R functions for community ecology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Duelli, P., and Obrist, M. K. (2003). Biodiversity indicators: the choice of values and measures. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 98, 87–98.
| Biodiversity indicators: the choice of values and measures.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Eyre, T. J., Maron, M., Mathieson, M. T., and Haseler, M. (2009). Impacts of grazing, selective logging and hyper-aggressors on diurnal bird fauna in intact forest landscapes of the Brigalow Belt, Queensland. Austral Ecology 34, 705–716.
| Impacts of grazing, selective logging and hyper-aggressors on diurnal bird fauna in intact forest landscapes of the Brigalow Belt, Queensland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Fleischner, T. L. (1994). Ecological costs of livestock grazing in western North America. Conservation Biology 8, 629–644.
| Ecological costs of livestock grazing in western North America.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Friedel, M. H. (1991). Range condition assessment and the concept of thresholds: a viewpoint. Journal of Range Management 44, 422–426.
| Range condition assessment and the concept of thresholds: a viewpoint.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Friedel, M. H., Laycock, W. A., and Bastin, G. N. (2000). ‘Field and Laboratory Methods for Grassland and Animal Production Research.’ (CABI Publishing: Wallingford, UK.)
Fuhlendorf, S. D., and Engle, D. M. (2001). Restoring heterogeneity on rangelands: Ecosystem management based on evolutionary grazing patterns. Bioscience 51, 625–632.
| Restoring heterogeneity on rangelands: Ecosystem management based on evolutionary grazing patterns.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gardner, T. A., Barlow, J., Araujo, I. S., Avila-Pires, T. C., Bonaldo, A. B., Costa, J. E., Esposito, M. C., Ferreira, L. V., Hawes, J., Hernandez, M. I. M., Hoogmoed, M. S., Leite, R. N., Lo-Man-Hung, N. F., Malcolm, J. R., Martins, M. B., Mestre, L. A. M., Miranda-Santos, R., Overal, W. L., Parry, L., Peters, S. L., Ribeiro, M. A., da Silva, M. N. F., Motta, C. D. S., and Peres, C. A. (2008). The cost-effectiveness of biodiversity surveys in tropical forests. Ecology Letters 11, 139–150.
| The cost-effectiveness of biodiversity surveys in tropical forests.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gaston, K. J. (2000). Global patterns in biodiversity. Nature 405, 220–227.
| Global patterns in biodiversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXjsFyjs7o%3D&md5=e2fabb728515baf89dfdb04c93bc12c0CAS |
Gemedo-Dalle, , Maass, B. L., and Isselstein, J. (2006). Rangeland condition and trend in the semi-arid Borana lowlands, southern Oromia, Ethiopia. African Journal of Range & Forage Science 23, 49–58.
| Rangeland condition and trend in the semi-arid Borana lowlands, southern Oromia, Ethiopia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hannah, D., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Catterall, C. P., McCosker, J. C., Thurgate, N. Y., and Fensham, R. J. (2007). Impacts of clearing, fragmentation and disturbance on the bird fauna of Eucalypt savanna woodlands in central Queensland, Australia. Austral Ecology 32, 261–276.
| Impacts of clearing, fragmentation and disturbance on the bird fauna of Eucalypt savanna woodlands in central Queensland, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Harrison, S., Inouye, B. D., and Safford, H. D. (2003). Ecological heterogeneity in the effects of grazing and fire on grassland diversity. Conservation Biology 17, 837–845.
| Ecological heterogeneity in the effects of grazing and fire on grassland diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hermoso, V., Januchowski-Hartley, S. R., and Pressey, R. L. (2013). When the suit does not fit biodiversity: Loose surrogates compromise the achievement of conservation goals. Conservation Biology 159, 197–205.
Hobbs, R. J. (2001). Synergisms among habitat fragmentation, livestock grazing, and biotic invasions in southwestern Australia. Conservation Biology 15, 1522–1528.
| Synergisms among habitat fragmentation, livestock grazing, and biotic invasions in southwestern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hooper, D. U., Chapin Iii, F. S., Ewel, J. J., Hector, A., Inchausti, P., Lavorel, S., Lawton, J. H., Lodge, D. M., Loreau, M., and Naeem, S. (2005). Effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning: a consensus of current knowledge. Ecological Monographs 75, 3–35.
| Effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning: a consensus of current knowledge.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hughes, T. P., Day, J. C., and Brodie, J. (2015). Securing the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Nature Climate Change 5, 508–511.
| Securing the future of the Great Barrier Reef.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
James, C. D., Landsberg, J., and Morton, S. R. (1995). Ecological functioning in arid Australia and research to assist conservation of biodiversity. Pacific Conservation Biology 2, 126–142.
| Ecological functioning in arid Australia and research to assist conservation of biodiversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Karfs, R. A., Abbott, B. N., Scarth, P. F., and Wallace, J. F. (2009). Land condition monitoring information for reef catchments: a new era. The Rangeland Journal 31, 69–86.
| Land condition monitoring information for reef catchments: a new era.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kulmatiski, A., and Beard, K. H. (2013). Woody plant encroachment facilitated by increased precipitation intensity. Nature Climate Change 3, 833–837.
| Woody plant encroachment facilitated by increased precipitation intensity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhtl2ks7nJ&md5=854bede21590fbd817df1923a0756afeCAS |
Kutt, A. S., and Fisher, A. (2011). Increased grazing and dominance of an exotic pasture (Bothriochloa pertusa) affects vertebrate fauna species composition, abundance and habitat in savanna woodland. The Rangeland Journal 33, 49–58.
| Increased grazing and dominance of an exotic pasture (Bothriochloa pertusa) affects vertebrate fauna species composition, abundance and habitat in savanna woodland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kutt, A. S., and Gordon, I. J. (2012). Variation in terrestrial mammal abundance on pastoral and conservation land tenures in north-eastern Australian tropical savannas. Animal Conservation 15, 416–425.
| Variation in terrestrial mammal abundance on pastoral and conservation land tenures in north-eastern Australian tropical savannas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kutt, A. S., Perkins, G. C., Colman, N., Vanderduys, E. P., and Perry, J. J. (2012a). Temporal variation in a savanna bird assemblage: what changes over 5 years? Emu 112, 32–38.
| Temporal variation in a savanna bird assemblage: what changes over 5 years?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kutt, A. S., Vanderduys, E. P., and O’Reagain, P. (2012b). Spatial and temporal effects of grazing management and rainfall on the vertebrate fauna of a tropical savanna. The Rangeland Journal 34, 173–182.
| Spatial and temporal effects of grazing management and rainfall on the vertebrate fauna of a tropical savanna.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Landsberg, J., James, C. D., Morton, S. R., Müller, W. J., and Stol, J. (2003). Abundance and composition of plant species along grazing gradients in Australian rangelands. Journal of Applied Ecology 40, 1008–1024.
| Abundance and composition of plant species along grazing gradients in Australian rangelands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Laurance, W. F. (2010). Habitat destruction: death by a thousand cuts. In: ‘Conservation Biology for All’. Ch. 4. (Eds N. S. Sodhi and P. R. Ehrlich.) pp. 73–88. (Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK.) https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199554232.003.0005
Lunney, D. (2001). Causes of the extinction of native mammals of the Western Division of New South Wales: an ecological interpretation of the nineteenth century historical record. The Rangeland Journal 23, 44–70.
| Causes of the extinction of native mammals of the Western Division of New South Wales: an ecological interpretation of the nineteenth century historical record.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Maitima, J. M., Mugatha, S. M., Reid, R. S., Gachimbi, L. N., Majule, A., Lyaruu, H., Pomery, D., Mathai, S., and Mugisha, S. (2009). The linkages between land use change, land degradation and biodiversity across East Africa. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 3, 310–325.
Milchunas, D. G., Sala, O. E., and Lauenroth, W. K. (1988). A generalized model of the effects of grazing by large herbivores on grassland community structure. American Naturalist 132, 87–106.
| A generalized model of the effects of grazing by large herbivores on grassland community structure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Neilly, H., Vanderwal, J., and Schwarzkopf, L. (2016). Balancing biodiversity and food production: a better understanding of wildlife response to grazing will inform off-reserve conservation on rangelands. Rangeland Ecology and Management 69, 430–436.
| Balancing biodiversity and food production: a better understanding of wildlife response to grazing will inform off-reserve conservation on rangelands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Noss, R. F. (1994). Cows and conservation biology. Conservation Biology 8, 613–616.
| Cows and conservation biology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
O’Reagain, P., Scanlan, J., Hunt, L., Cowley, R., and Walsh, D. (2014). Sustainable grazing management for temporal and spatial variability in north Australian rangelands – a synthesis of the latest evidence and recommendations. The Rangeland Journal 36, 223–232.
| Sustainable grazing management for temporal and spatial variability in north Australian rangelands – a synthesis of the latest evidence and recommendations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Olff, H., and Ritchie, M. E. (1998). Effects of herbivores on grassland plant diversity. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 13, 261–265.
| Effects of herbivores on grassland plant diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC3M7itF2iug%3D%3D&md5=19501d3e2ba41389efbac5916995e850CAS |
Pavey, C. R., Jefferys, E. A., and Nano, C. E. M. (2016). Persistence of the plains mouse, Pseudomys australis, with cattle grazing is facilitated by a diet dominated by disturbance-tolerant plants. Journal of Mammalogy 97, 1102–1110.
| Persistence of the plains mouse, Pseudomys australis, with cattle grazing is facilitated by a diet dominated by disturbance-tolerant plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Perry, J. J., Kutt, A. S., Garnett, S. T., Crowley, G. M., Vanderduys, E. P., and Perkins, G. C. (2011). Changes in the avifauna of Cape York Peninsula over a period of 9 years: the relative effects of fire, vegetation type and climate. Emu 111, 120–131.
| Changes in the avifauna of Cape York Peninsula over a period of 9 years: the relative effects of fire, vegetation type and climate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Perry, J. J., Kutt, A. S., Perkins, G. C., Vanderduys, E. P., and Colman, N. J. (2012). A bird survey method for Australian tropical savannas. Emu 112, 261–266.
| A bird survey method for Australian tropical savannas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Price, B., Kutt, A. S., and McAlpine, C. A. (2010). The importance of fine-scale savanna heterogeneity for reptiles and small mammals. Biological Conservation 143, 2504–2513.
| The importance of fine-scale savanna heterogeneity for reptiles and small mammals.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Price, B., McAlpine, C. A., Kutt, A. S., Ward, D., Phinn, S. R., and Ludwig, J. A. (2013). Disentangling how landscape spatial and temporal heterogeneity affects savanna birds. PLoS One 8, e74333.
| Disentangling how landscape spatial and temporal heterogeneity affects savanna birds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhsFWqsL3I&md5=eb46928d9167810f3bb33832bd7d7858CAS |
Pyke, D. A., Herrick, J. E., Shaver, P., and Pellant, M. (2002). Rangeland health attributes and indicators for qualitative assessment. Journal of Range Management 55, 584–597.
| Rangeland health attributes and indicators for qualitative assessment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Read, J. L. (2002). Experimental trial of Australian arid zone reptiles as early warning indicators of overgrazing by cattle. Austral Ecology 27, 55–66.
| Experimental trial of Australian arid zone reptiles as early warning indicators of overgrazing by cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Reed, M. S., and Dougill, A. J. (2002). Participatory selection process for indicators of rangeland condition in the Kalahari. The Geographical Journal 168, 224–234.
| Participatory selection process for indicators of rangeland condition in the Kalahari.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Rodrigues, A. S. L., and Brooks, T. M. (2007). Shortcuts for biodiversity conservation planning: the effectiveness of surrogates. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 38, 713–737.
| Shortcuts for biodiversity conservation planning: the effectiveness of surrogates.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Specht, R. L. (1970). Vegetation. In: ‘The Australian Environment’. (Ed. G. W. Leeper.) pp. 44–67. (CISRO and Melbourne University Press: Melbourne, Vic.)
Stafford Smith, D. M., McKeon, G. M., Watson, I. W., Henry, B. K., Stone, G. S., Hall, W. B., and Howden, S. M. (2007). Learning from episodes of degradation and recovery in variable Australian rangelands. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 104, 20690–20695.
| Learning from episodes of degradation and recovery in variable Australian rangelands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stein, A., Gerstner, K., and Kreft, H. (2014). Environmental heterogeneity as a universal driver of species richness across taxa, biomes and spatial scales. Ecology Letters 17, 866–880.
| Environmental heterogeneity as a universal driver of species richness across taxa, biomes and spatial scales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stokes, C. J., McAllister, R. R. J., and Ash, A. J. (2006). Fragmentation of Australian rangelands: processes, benefits and risks of changing patterns of land use. The Rangeland Journal 28, 83–96.
| Fragmentation of Australian rangelands: processes, benefits and risks of changing patterns of land use.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Symstad, A. J., and Jonas, J. L. (2011). Incorporating biodiversity into rangeland health: plant species richness and diversity in Great Plains Grasslands. Rangeland Ecology and Management 64, 555–572.
| Incorporating biodiversity into rangeland health: plant species richness and diversity in Great Plains Grasslands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Tuanmu, M.-N., and Jetz, W. (2015). A global, remote sensing-based characterization of terrestrial habitat heterogeneity for biodiversity and ecosystem modelling. Global Ecology and Biogeography 24, 1329–1339.
| A global, remote sensing-based characterization of terrestrial habitat heterogeneity for biodiversity and ecosystem modelling.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ward, D. P., and Kutt, A. S. (2009). Rangeland biodiversity assessment using fine scale on-ground survey, time series of remotely sensed ground cover and climate data: an Australian savanna case study. Landscape Ecology 24, 495–507.
| Rangeland biodiversity assessment using fine scale on-ground survey, time series of remotely sensed ground cover and climate data: an Australian savanna case study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Waudby, H. P., and Petit, S. (2015). Small Australian desert vertebrate responses to grazing intensity during La Niña. Ecological Research 30, 715–722.
| Small Australian desert vertebrate responses to grazing intensity during La Niña.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Woinarski, J. C. Z., and Fisher, A. (2003). Conservation and the maintenance of biodiversity in the rangelands. The Rangeland Journal 25, 157–171.
| Conservation and the maintenance of biodiversity in the rangelands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yarnell, R. W., Scott, D. M., Chimimba, C. T., and Metcalfe, D. J. (2007). Untangling the roles of fire, grazing and rainfall on small mammal communities in grassland ecosystems. Oecologia 154, 387–402.
| Untangling the roles of fire, grazing and rainfall on small mammal communities in grassland ecosystems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2snmtlajsQ%3D%3D&md5=b821c152cd182d15ebe9b3b7db7a9c69CAS |
Zuur, A., Ieno, E. N., Walker, N., Saveliev, A. A., and Smith, G. M. (2009). ‘Mixed Effects Models and Extensions in Ecology with R.’ (Springer Science & Business Media: New York.)
