Vegetation Changes Following Exclusion of Livestock from Grazed Ranges

Range administrators and research workers frequently compare the vegetation on areas from which livestock have been excluded and on adjoining areas which are grazed. If properly interpreted, these comparisons provide valuable clues in explaining vegetation changes and furnish a basis for beneficial adjustments in range use. If misconstrued, the contrast between grazed and ungrazed vegetation may lead to bewilderment and the conclusion that such comparisons are useless. This article discusses the causes of some outstanding contrasts between grazed and ungrazed vegetation with the purpose of aiding range workers in interpreting differences between protected and unprotected areas.