Impacts and Management of Invasive Cool-Season Grasses in the Northern Great Plains: Challenges and Opportunities for Wildlife

ABSTRACT Grasslands of the Northern Great Plains of North America are in the midst of extensive human-driven loss and redistribution of important species. Invasive plants contribute to degradation of this ecosystem and present monumental challenges for natural resource managers. Widespread decreases...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:Wildlife Society Bulletin (2011-). - Wildlife Society. - 37(2013), 3, Seite 510-516
Format: Online-Aufsatz
Veröffentlicht: 2013
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:Wildlife Society Bulletin (2011-)
Schlagworte:Bromus inermis invasive Kentucky bluegrass non-native Northern Great Plains Poa pratensis smooth brome Biological sciences Physical sciences
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:ABSTRACT Grasslands of the Northern Great Plains of North America are in the midst of extensive human-driven loss and redistribution of important species. Invasive plants contribute to degradation of this ecosystem and present monumental challenges for natural resource managers. Widespread decreases in populations of grassland-dependent wildlife, particularly birds, have been documented, but relatively little research has been focused on direct responses of wildlife to invading plants relative to native vegetation. Smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) are 2 invasive cool-season grass species found across much of the Northern Great Plains that continue to expand despite management actions intended to reduce them. With eradication unlikely, creativity, cooperation, and science-based management (e.g., Adaptive Management) are paramount to protect and restore the integrity of grassland habitats across the Northern Great Plains.
ISSN:23285540