The Ecology of Browsing and Grazing [Paperback]

This volume investigates how large herbivores not only influence the structure and distribution of the vegetation, but also affect nutrient flows and the responses of associated fauna. The mechanisms and processes underlying the herbivores' behavior, distribution, movement and direct impact on the vegetation are discussed in detail. It is shown that an understanding of plant/animal interactions can inform the management of large herbivores to integrate production and conservation in terrestrial systems.

Extensive grazing and browsing by domestic and wild herbivores shape the vegetation composition, structure and dynamics of many terrestrial ecosystems. This volume investigates how large herbivores not only influence the structure and distribution of the vegetation, but also affect nutrient flows and the responses of associated fauna. The mechanisms and processes underlying the herbivores' behaviour, distribution, movement and direct impact on the vegetation, and the dynamics of nutrients, plant species, and vegetation composition in terrestrial ecosystems are discussed in detail. It is shown that an understanding of plant/animal interactions can provide practical advice on the management of large herbivores to integrate production and conservation in terrestrial systems, particularly in the face of environmental and climate change.

1 Grazers and Browsers in a Changing World: IntroductionHerbert H.T. Prins and Iain J. Gordon2 An Evolutionary History of Browsing and Grazing UngulatesChristine Janis3 The Morphophysiological Adaptations of Browsing and Grazing MammalsMarcus Clauss, Thomas Kaiser, and J?rgen Hummel4 Nutritional Ecology of Grazing and Browsing RuminantsAlan J. Duncan and Dennis P. Poppi5 The Comparative Feeding Bahaviour of Browsing and Grazing Large HerbivoresKate Searle and??6 The Comparative Population Dynamics of Browsing and Grazing UngulatesNorman Owen-Smith7 Species Diversity of Browsing and Grazing Ungulates: ColÓÎ