A recently published study by ASOM postdoc researcher Lawrence Ball and his PhD supervisor Joseph Tzanopoulos, has identified several impacts of livestock browsing on the Anogeissus cloud forest in western Dhofar. By measuring 3600 adult and 3600 juvenile woody plants across thirty sites with different stocking histories, the abiotic and livestock factors affecting species distributions were examined. The results found fog density, topographic position and long‐term stocking rates to be important factors affecting woody species composition. Lower species diversity and plant density, and higher frequencies of unpalatable species, occurred under higher stocking rates. Juveniles showed a stronger response to stocking rates than adults, and several common species exhibited stunted morphology under high stocking rates.
The results show that browsing by large‐bodied livestock, such as camels and cattle, can substantially alter the species composition, structure, and phytomorphology of woody vegetation in semi‐arid woodlands and forests. Juveniles are particularly susceptible to browsing which alters woody vegetation demography and inhibits regeneration potential. The results support previous suggestions of overstocking in Dhofar and highlight the importance of swift measures to reduce livestock browsing pressure in the Anogeissus cloud forests.
Access the article at https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.12493