South Entrance Exclosure Study: The Effects of Browsing on the Growth of Cowania Mexicana and Quercus Gambelii
Grover LR and Ray JW. 1985. South Entrance Exclosure Study: The Effects of Browsing on the Growth of Cowania Mexicana and Quercus Gambelii. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
The South Entrance Exclosure, located approximately 100 yards northwest of the Grand Canyon Clinic, was created in 1935 in a moderately overgrazed area to study the effects of herbivore browsing on the growth of several plant species, primarily Cowania mexicana (Cliffrose) and Quercus gambelii (Gambel Oak). Fifty years later, a comparison of plant numbers and crown cover of these plant species growing on the 40' x 80' fenced plot versus the 40' x 80' unfenced plot (directly south of the exclosure) reveals a definite inhibition of growth of Cliffrose and oak on the unprotected plot and a rampant overgrowth on the enclosed plot, suggesting that moderate browsing acts as a growth-controlling agent in this forest ecosystem.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Grover, Lenore; Ray, John
- Date of Issue
- 1985-04
- Publisher
- Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
- Units
- GRCA
- Keywords
- cliffrose (Cowania mexicana), Exclosures, Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii), Herbivores, NPSRecord, Plant Studies, South Rim (GRCA)