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Grazing

A brief overview of the Grazing project.

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Upland habitat scientists are studying the effects of cattle grazing on the vegetation of natural communities on selected wildlife management areas (WMA) with leased grazing rights.  Grazing effects are examined using paired study areas, one is open and the other is enclosed. This study is being conducted in forested wetlands, herbaceous wetlands, mesic flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, and dry prairie on the wildlife management areas of Caravelle Ranch, Half Moon, Three Lakes and Triple N Ranch. This research compares the vegetation characteristics in the paired study areas. Among the factors being studied are total plant cover, litter cover, bare ground, plant height, and abundance of individual plant species.  Information from this research will help WMA biologists manage cattle on state lands in a beneficial and sustainable manner.

Open transect number thirteen in a basin wetland at Caravelle Ranch WMA

 

Enclosed transect number thirteen in a basin wetland at Caravelle Ranch WMA

 

Open transect number fourteen in a basin wetland at Caravelle Ranch

 

Enclosed transect number fourteen in a basin wetland at Caravelle Ranch WMA

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Image credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)