Graz FP, Westbrooke ME, Florentine SK. Modelling the effects of water-point closure and fencing removal: a GIS approach.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2012;
104:186-194. [PMID:
22542930 DOI:
10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.03.014]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Artificial water-points in the form of troughs or ground tanks are used to augment natural water supplies within rangelands in many parts of the world. Access to such water-points leads to the development of a distinct ecological sub-system, the piosphere, where trampling and grazing impact modify the vegetation. This study aims to consolidate existing information in a GIS based model to investigate grazing patterns within the landscape. The model focuses on the closure of water-points and removal of fences on Nanya Station, New South Wales, Australia. We found that the manipulation of water-points and fences in one management intervention may change grazing activity in a way different to that which would be experienced if each had been modified separately. Such effects are further modified by the spatial distribution of the water-points and the underlying vegetation.
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