Effects of cattle grazing on the mountain parkland ecosystem, Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Author:

Cuddihy, Linda W.

Title:

Effects of cattle grazing on the mountain parkland ecosystem, Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Year:

1984

Pages:

138

Subject:

Grassland ecology Hawaii Island Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Mammals Hawaii Island ecology Mauna Loa Ranching Hawaii

Summary:

This study investigated the effects of cattle grazing on vegetation and soils of the mountain parkland ecosystem of Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaii by comparing grass and shrub communities of this ecosystem within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that has been protected from cattle grazing since 1948 to that of the neighboring ranchlands, where cattle grazing continues. Differences in vegetation and species composition were quantified, and various soil parameters were examined to determine whether edaphic factors differed in the two areas. Ecosystems with indigenous mammalian herbivores and those which have evolved in the absence of large animals are considered for the purpose of determining whether the two types of ecosystems are differently affected by herbivores.

URL:

https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/4008

Date:

July 1984

Collection:

Monographs