|
In parts of Texas there is some validity to the talk about there being fewer herps in cedar thickets, though it requires some explaining.
.
Large areas of ranchland that once had a more diverse plant association now are dominated by cedars. This is the result of land-use practices for livestock. Basically, the land is overgrazed and abused. Cedar is one of the few plants the cows will not eat (even goats eat it as a last resort). Root plowing and chemical herbicides also effect cedars to as lesser extent. Under normal conditions cycles in nature may favor one plant type over others for some period but it is not a lasting effect. In these worst cases of overuse very large tracts are converted to a cedar-dominated landscape at the expense of many other trees, shrubs and grasses. The animal life is also changed and reduced. I've been in places where little was to be found, except cedars.
.
You can see demonstrations of a similar, relatively lifeless, monoculture involving other less-edible or non-edible plants and shrubs in parts of Texas where cedars do not do well. Take a look along highway 90 in parts of Val Verde county.. nothing but grey sage with herds of goats moving in between them. The cows ate the grass and most of the edible forbes and were removed. The goats are brought in to get what remains!
.
Gus/Rio Bravo Reptiles.
|
Linear Mode
