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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Invasive Species and Pollinator Health » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #142210
Title: RANGELAND MONITORING AND WILDLIFE POPULATIONS

Author
item Clements, Darin - Charlie
item Young, James

Submitted to: Arid Land Research and Management
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2003
Publication Date: 9/12/2003
Citation: Clements, D.D., Young, J.A. 2003. Rangeland monitoring and wildlife populations. Arid Land Research and Management. 17(4): 401-406.

Interpretive Summary: Monitoring of rangelands should not be limited to plant species and communities, but should also include the wildlife species that inhabit those communities. Species richness and diversity of wildlife species are good indicators in assessing the condition many rangeland habitats. Agricultural producers and their employees are present on specific rangelands more than the state and federal employees that are mandated to manage the variety of resources on those rangelands. The ability of agricultural producers to monitor wildlife through careful note taking and documentation efforts can be beneficial in the management of our natural resources on rangelands. These efforts can lead to better management decisions on public and private rangelands as well as improving the overall management of their agricultural operation. This paper attempts to inform agricultural producers on the importance of monitoring wildlife populations and their critical habitats in an effort to better the overall management of their operation.

Technical Abstract: The capability of agricultural producers to monitor the condition and trend of the rangelands on which they operate should not be limited to plant communities. Agricultural producers should be aware of the many wildlife species that inhabit the public and private rangelands. Monitoring of wildlife species should be part of their range monitoring program. Agricultural producers and their employees are present on specific rangelands more than the state and federal employees that are mandated to manage the various resources on those rangelands. This presence, along with the observations and development of good note taking skills and documentation will lead to a better understanding of the condition and trend of wildlife populations in various habitats. The objective of this monitoring program is to communicate what has been learned to the various state, federal and private interested groups, and to help better understand the complexity associated with wildlife species and their habitats. This effort will lead to a better management of renewable natural resources of rangelands and integrated agricultural operations.