Zoochory on and off: A field experiment for trait‐based analysis of establishment success of grassland species

A field experiment at Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, revealed that extensive cattle grazing (zoochory) significantly enhances the long-term establishment success of grassland species outside source plots. While fencing reduced cover and flowering in source plots, it decreased the likelihood of species colonizing surrounding areas. Successful colonizers were characterized by traits such as high specific leaf area, low dry matter content, short stature, light seeds, early flowering, and anemochory. This study challenges the assumption that fencing is always beneficial for grassland restoration, highlighting the importance of grazing in maintaining biodiversity.

Kiss, R., Deák, B., Tóthmérész, B., Miglécz, T., Tóth, K., Török, P., Lukács, K., Godó, L., Körmöczi, Z., Radócz, S., Borza, S., Kelemen, A., Sonkoly, J., Kirmer, A., Tischew, S., & Valkó, O. (2021). Zoochory on and off: A field experiment for trait‐based analysis of establishment success of grassland species. Journal of Vegetation Science, 32(4). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.13051