Can kangaroo rat graminivory contribute to the persistence of desertified shrublands?

Medium-sized kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp. Gray) function as keystone species in the dynamics of desert bunchgrasses. We tested the hypothesis that kangaroo rat graminivory leads to reduced grass growth and inflorescence production, and that kangaroo rat grass consumption reflects their preferences for open microhabitats. We excluded kangaroo rats from grasses, and measured tiller loss, leaf and tiller growth and inflorescence production. We recorded the extent of tiller loss in grasses varying in tussock size or the extent of surrounding cover. Consumption of tillers by kangaroo rats was extensive, peaking in late summer. Grasses protected from kangaroo rat graminivory showed elevated leaf and tiller growth and...

Categories: Publication; Types: Citation, Journal Citation; Tags: Journal of Arid Environments, desert bunch grasses, desertification, dipodomys merriami, dipodomys ordii, All tags... eragrostis lehmanniana, keystone species, patch use, positive feedback, sporobolus flexuosus, Fewer tags