Grazing pressure – the combined consumption of plant matter by all herbivores. The population density of different species, their different feeding styles, and even different plant preferences – all those factors come together when trying to assess the ‘total grazing pressure’ on any area of land. Grazing pressure is often a key determinant of vegetation condition and the health of a landscape.
We know that rabbits can be a devastating contributer to total grazing pressure through their sheer numbers and breeding capacity, and their highly selective feeding when in low numbers. Kangaroos, livestock, camels and feral goats are among other grazing animals to contribute.
On on-line survey by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University) is seeking to better understand attitudes to kangaroo management and improve kangaroo management programs in the semi-arid rangelands of south eastern Australia.
If you would like to be part of the research, visit the Survey Webpage to complete the survey.
Kangaroos, like rabbits and livestock, are part of total grazing pressure. (Image: Day P)