Document: BOB-3-329-179

Cattle and biodiversity in the southern wind river landscape.

BUDD, B.*

Red Canyon Ranch, Lander, WY 82520-9417 USA ¹

Abstract:
Ranching is a prominent land use in the western United States, and may have either benign, positive, or negative effects on natural values. In many landscapes, herbivory and fire are natural processes that shape ecological potential. Often, livestock can be used to create habitats, or manipulate habitats in a manner favorable to individual species that rely on grazing. A combination of herbivory, fire, and rest, may lead to more dynamic and diverse natural systems. In many cases, the loss of ranching economies and cultures leads to conversion of highly valuable riparian and wetland habitats. Management that is inclusive of multiple ecological values is not only possible, but desirable. Better understanding of specific needs of wildlife, plants, and natural process is fundamental to directing management of livestock in a manner that is sustainable, both ecologically and economically. Incentives for production of biological values, such as threatened or endangered species, should be explored and tested.

Keywords: cattle,ranching

This abstract is being presented at: 8:15 AM in session:
Symposium # 25: Cows and Conservation: A Role for Ranching in Protecting Biodiversity.