Effect of grazing horses and goats on reduction of phytovolume in a mediterranean scrubland

Authors

  • Jordi Bartolomé-Filella Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
  • M. Josep Broncano-Atienza Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
  • Josefina Plaixats-Boixadera Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Keywords:

grazing, scrub, fire hazard.

Abstract

This paper postulates the recovery and use of livestock in forest management aimed at preventing wildfires in Mediterranean habitats. The purpose of this study was to determine the structural variations of Mediterranean scrub vegetation subjected to grazing horses and goats, and to compare the effect of each animal species on vegetation with respect to the reduction of fire risk. The stocking rate was 70 UR/ha, for four days. The results indicate that both goats and horses are efficient in reducing fire hazard. The species most grazed were Globularia alypum and Erica multiflora. Horses produced a significantly higher mortality of plants (21%) than goats (10%). There were no significant differences in the reduction of plant height. On the other hand, grazing with goats led to a greater reduction of crown surface and phytovolume (38% vs 36%).

Keywords: grazing, scrub, fire hazard.

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Author Biography

Jordi Bartolomé-Filella, Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona




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Issue

No. 40: juny 2016

Section

Articles

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