Conservation relevance of terrestrial herbaceous vegetation studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.2014.1.4.66Keywords:
terrestrial herbaceous vegetation, food availability, plant-animal interactions, indicator species, biodiversity monitoringAbstract
Herbaceous vegetation studies are pivotal for a better understanding of the ecology of several animal species that use these plants as food items, nest-building materials, and tools. This article illustrates how such investigations can build on the knowledge base required for conservation planning and help to assess habitat quality. Although many descriptive studies on herbaceous plants used by animals have been carried out, more research effort is needed to address questions such as diversity, community composition, population dynamics, and the influence of abiotic factors. This investment would result in more accurate estimations of resource availability and a better understanding of the effects of abiotic factors on herbaceous plants and dependent animal species.Downloads
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