Innovative restoration strategies are critically needed in the South Texas Plains
for controlling increased Opuntia cacti invasions. Using a replicated and randomized
experimental study, I have examined the effects of fire seasonality and herbivory on the
dominant cacti and herbaceous plant species in this semi-arid ecosystem. Results from
this study demonstrate that the combination of fire and wildlife herbivory significantly
reduces Opuntia cactus cover. I was able to empirically demonstrate that prescribed fire
decreases prickly pear cactus cover. Moreover, this decrease is further exacerbated by
the effects of large mammalian herbivores consuming and/or disturbing recently burned
mottes. In the absence of fire, both mottes with and without herbivore exclosures
increased in size. The ecological insights gained from this study will contribute to the
development of management strategies of Opuntia cacti, while promoting the restoration
and long-term sustainability of Texas rangelands.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2009-12-7627 |
| Date | 2009 December 1900 |
| Creators | Sosa, Gabriela |
| Contributors | Rogers, William E. |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book, Thesis, Electronic Thesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
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