A recent study reveals that cattle grazing in Pyrenean oak forests has a neutral impact on forest integrity, biodiversity, and canopy productivity. We evaluated the effects of grazing on understory plant diversity and oak phenology, finding no significant differences between grazed and ungrazed areas. While grazing did not effectively control shrub encroachment or reduce wildfire risk in the short term, it also posed no threats to ecosystem balance. This underscores the potential of integrating cattle grazing into sustainable forest management practices without compromising biodiversity or ecological functions. Long-term studies are needed to assess any delayed impacts.

More about our work here https://www.mdpi.com/3086366

 

Photo: Arrazola, Mikel