Effect of managed grazing on trends of lesser prairie-chicken abundance, vegetation composition and structure, and invertebrate production on the Milnesand Prairie Preserve
Investigators:
Patricia McDaniel
David Haukos
Clint Boal
Project Supervisors:
David Haukos
Funding:
The Nature Conservancy
Partners for Fish and Wildlife, Region 2, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Texas Tech University
Cooperators:
Ecological Services, Region 2, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Grasslans Charitable Foundation
Weaver Ranch
New Mexico Game and Fish
Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA
Location:
Milnesand Prairie Preserve, eastern New Mexico
Completion:
May 2012
Status:
The field work for this 10-year project has been completed. The data are being organized and tabulated for analyses.
Objectives:
- measure the long-term response of lesser prairie-chickens and vegetation to use of a consistent grazing system optimized through fencing and water placement.
- compare adjacent vegetation composition and structure among different lek sizes as defined by the number of displaying males
- evaluation of long patterns in abundance of invertebrates on sand shiner y oak grasslands in eastern New Mexico.
Progress and Results:
Products:
Haukos, D.A., and P.McDaniel. 2011. Use of grazing management to restore lesser prairie-chicken habitat in eastern New Mexico. Prairie Grouse Technical Council, Hays, Kansas.
McDaniel, P., and D. Haukos. 2009. Chickens, bugs, and cows: Lessons from the TNC Milnesand Preserve. Annual Meeting, Lesser Prairie-Chicken InterstateWorking Group. Lubbock, Texas.
