The Effect of Grazing on Central Anatolian Steppe Vegetation: A Modeling Approach Using Functional Traits.

ABSTRACT: Grazing is a major ecological driver that influences vegetation dynamics globally. We investigated the long-term effects of different grazing regimes on the vegetation structure of the Central Anatolian steppes, a region characterized by its unique convergence of biogeographical influences and historical land use. We employed the spatially explicit FATELAND model to simulate vegetation dynamics over a 50-year period under three distinct grazing scenarios: no grazing, moderate grazing, and overgrazing. Our simulations incorporated a range of plant functional traits to predict changes across five different vegetation types in Central Anatolia, including woodland steppes and treeless steppes. The simulations revealed that moderate grazing supports the diversity and abundance of various plant

SUBMITTER: Bahar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11532325 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature