The role of bison (Bison bison) herbivory in the function of semi-arid grasslands of Arizona.

ABSTRACT: The American Plains Bison (Bison bison) is recognized as a grassland keystone species; however, their effect on grassland ecosystem function can vary widely among different plant communities, ranging from degradation to enhancement. Grazing dynamics, environmental conditions, and the capacity for plants to compensate for losses due to herbivory largely govern the degree and magnitude of herbivory-induced ecosystem change, making it challenging to manage grazing ecosystems. Here, we examine how different grazing intensities and environmental conditions affect aboveground herbaceous production and herbaceous nitrogen yield within high-elevation, semi-arid grasslands of the Grand Canyon ecosystem in northern Arizona, United States. We conducted a replicate herbivore exclusion experiment in gr

SUBMITTER: Musto DT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683701 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature