Title | Impact of borrowing activity of the bannertail kangaroo rat on southern New Mexico desert rangeland |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1982 |
Authors | Moroka N, Beck RF, Pieper, Rex D. |
Journal | Journal of Range Management |
Volume | 35 |
Pagination | 707-710 |
Date Published | 1982 |
Call Number | 00229 |
Keywords | article, articles, bannertail kangaroo rat, SEE <DIPODOMYS>, burrowing activity,Dipodomys, Dipodomys, journal, journals, management,Dipodomys, rangeland,Dipodomys, rodent, Dipodomys, burrowing activity, rodent, Dipodomys, rangeland impact, rodent,bannertail kangaroo rat |
Abstract | The impact of burrowing activity of the bannertail kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis) on southern New Mexico desert rangelands was investigated. The study was conducted on black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda), dropseed (Sporobolus spp.) and mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) grassland vegetation types. Mound density was highest in the black grama type, somewhat intermediate in the dropseed type, and lowest in the mesquite-grassland type. The surface area occupied by mounds averaged 2% over all vegetation types in the study area. Plant cover was generally greater off mounds than on mounds. Annual plant cover was greater on mounds than off mounds, suggesting that activities of bannertail kangaroo rats promote the presence of annuals. |