The Impact of 3 exotic, invasive grasses in the Southeastern United States on wildlife

Thomas G. Barnes; Stephen J. DeMaso; Matt A. Bahm

doi:10.1002/wsb.316

journal article Jul 30, 2013

The Impact of 3 exotic, invasive grasses in the Southeastern United States on wildlife

Thomas G. Barnes Stephen J. DeMaso Matt A. Bahm

Wildlife Society Bulletin Vol. 37 No. 3 pp. 497-502 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/wsb.316

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the impacts and effects of exotic, invasive grasses on wildlife in the Southeast United States. We selected 3 species of exotic grasses common to the Southeast and review the literature on their regional distribution, ecosystem impacts, wildlife impacts, and management. These grasses have the potential to harm indigenous wildlife species, such as northern bobwhite (
Colinus virginianus
), that need grasslands with a shrub component for nesting, brood‐rearing, and loafing. These exotic, invasive grasses are sod‐forming in nature, typically forming dense monotypic stands that provide little bare ground and have low plant species and insect diversity. Furthermore, it appears that wildlife do not prefer to consume these plant species. Control is often difficult and usually requires the use of herbicides in combination with mechanical treatment, such as disking, to provide adequate habitat. Attempts should be encouraged to convert these idle grasslands to a mixture of native grasses and forbs to make stands more suitable for wildlife species. We provide suggestions for future research and management needs regarding exotic, invasive grasses and wildlife in the Southeast United States. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.

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Details

Published: Jul 30, 2013
Vol/Issue: 37(3)
Pages: 497-502
License: View

Authors

T

Thomas G. Barnes

Extension Professor, Department of Forestry University of Kentucky 214 T. P. Cooper Building (Office 206) Lexington KY 40546‐0073 USA

S

Stephen J. DeMaso

Gulf Coast Joint Venture United States Fish and Wildlife Service 700 Cajundome Boulevard Lafayette LA 70506 USA

M

Matt A. Bahm

Department of Biology Gonzaga University Spokane WA 99258‐0102 USA

Cite This Article

Thomas G. Barnes, Stephen J. DeMaso, Matt A. Bahm (2013). The Impact of 3 exotic, invasive grasses in the Southeastern United States on wildlife. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 37(3), 497-502. https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.316

The Impact of 3 exotic, invasive grasses in the Southeastern United States on wildlife

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