Reply #27: Here is an example of a study that shows grazing harmful for birds.

[mountebank]

It is a good one to cite in an argument or letter:

http://www.rangenet.org/trader/Kreuper_etal_2003.pdf

Especially take a look at the before and after photos of the San Pedro River, AZ. Neotropical migrants and riparian species increased after cattle were removed and this is a group of birds that are quite sensitive to habitat alterations and often endangered. Of the species that decreased after cattle were removed, most are arid species, and a few are introduced, like the starling and house sparrow.

There's loads more research demonstrating a negative effect of cattle grazing.... Nevertheless, I was just on a ranch in northern Mexico where the owner was purporting that the land "needs" cattle and the action of their feet somehow leads to more grass species diversity..... These ranchers who use public lands (this one I'm talking about doesn't, he owns his ranch, but he is similar to those from the U.S. who do) are generally small-time ranchers struggling to survive and continue family traditions. I can understand their point of view. Many are dedicated conservationists. Nevertheless, the practice of public lands ranching should be phased out. There is almost no benefit to anyone, only destruction of the land.