Patterns of plant species diversity following local extinction of the plains vizcacha in semi-arid scrub

摘要: Abstract We examined changes in the diversity of herbaceous plant species at colony sites plains vizcacha ( Lagostomus maximus ) following local extinctions this semi-arid scrub central Argentina. These large rodents live social groups, share a communal burrow system, and forage common home range around system. Through intense herbivory, vizcachas create open patches understory landscape dominated by dense bunch grass shrubs. In heavily grazed areas centers colonies, richness forbs was significantly higher than grasses. lightly edges, both groups were equally common. Following extinction vizcachas, number forb declined on as cover grasses increased, within year more numerous edges colonies. Species increased slowly that had been vizcachas. Five years after population crash extinct colonies less 50% edges. contrast, to levels similar ungrazed matrix 2-3 extinction. Thus, major transition physical structure community occurred much rapidly recovery richness.