Connect
Thriving Wildlife
Did you know that well-managed grazing of livestock on public land is the single biggest key to sustaining healthy wildlife habitats in Utah?
Did you know that although private lands in Utah make up only 21% of the state, it is estimated that over 80% of Utah’s wildlife depend on those private working farms and ranches for critical seasonal habitats?
Did you know that a twenty-year case study on a working ranch in northern Utah showed that when herds of domestic livestock are properly rotated from pasture to pasture, their grazing patterns stimulate an abundance of new plant growth? The cattle are essentially laying behind them a smorgasbord of plant growth that provides for the nutritional needs of resident wildlife.
Did you know that when grazing is reduced or eliminated, wildlife populations generally decline?
During the 20 year duration of the study project, wildlife populations on the ranch exploded. Elk went from 1,500 to 2,400; moose expanded from 50 to 200; antelope jumped from 0 to 600. Of great significance is the fact that the number of sage grouse on the range increased fivefold. With a warranted finding for listing of the sage grouse as endangered, this fact is very enlightening and encouraging. The number of bird species on the ranch is over 275 and the ranch is designated an “Important Global Bird Area by the Audubon Society.
In order to help maintain the abundance and diversity of Utah’s wildlife, we need to preserve local farms and ranches. Click to find out what you can do and visit our Facebook page.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(below) A herd of Utah sheep are used to thin out stands of sage brush as a means to improve Sage Grouse habitat. This is an example of how livestock benefit wildlife populations.
_____________________________________________________________________________________