作者: Charudutt Mishra , Sipke E. Van Wieren , Pieter Ketner , Ignas M. A. Heitkonig , Herbert H. T. Prins
DOI: 10.1111/J.0021-8901.2004.00885.X
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摘要: 1. The issue of competition between livestock and wild herbivores has remained contentious. We studied the diets population structures mountain ungulate bharal Pseudois nayaur seven species to evaluate whether or not they compete for forage. study was conducted in high altitude Spiti Valley, Indian Trans-Himalaya. 2. compared resource (forage) availability rangelands differing density. Forage estimated by clipping standing graminoid biomass sample plots. Livestock were quantified through annual censuses. Seasonal direct observations, while those feeding signs on vegetation. 3. found that grazing causes a significant reduction crop Graminoid per unit three times greater moderately grazed rangeland with an intensively one. 4. There considerable diet overlap among herbivore species. In summer, bharal, yak Bos grunniens, horse Equus caballus, cow indicus, dzomo (yak-cow hybrids) fed predominantly graminoids, donkey E. asinus, sheep Ovis aries, goat Capra hircus, consumed both graminoids herbs. summer subset winter, depleted caused consume relatively more herbs, remaining graminoids. Diet less winter but, seasons, all important forage substantial amounts one livestock. 5. Comparison two density c. 30% yielded evidence competition. rangeland, 63% lower, showed poorer performance (lower young : adult female ratios). 6. Synthesis applications. High together density-dependent limitation, results decline Under present conditions supplemental feeding, restricting numbers creating livestock-free areas are necessary measures conserving Trans-Himalayan herbivores. Mediating competitive effects is feasible option.