Research

Research questions

• Will UMAs management lead to habitat fragmentation on the landscape level as a consequence of
  • increased fencing?
  • greater landscape heterogeneity?
  • potential for neighborhood effects?
• How does the establishment of UMAs influence trends in the introduction of buffel grass?
  • What is the suitablility of exotic grasslands as wildlife habitat on the ranchlands of northern Sonora?
  • Is there a conflict between livestock and wildlife objectives?
  • What environmental tradeoffs will landowners and policy makers face?

Part 1 - Hypotheses and initial results

• Buffel grass is spreading in some areas, retreating in others. These differences are due to the time since establishment, soil type, topography, among other factors.
• The ability to predict spread and future impacts depends on site-specific ecological responses and a broad understanding of Sonoran landscapes.
• Our research, involving field experiments and monitoring studies, is examining the drivers and environmental effects of buffel establishment, including:
  • Initial increases in forage for domestic livestock
  • Reduction of native biodiversity
  • Changes in soil nitrogen, fertility, and water availability for native vegetation

Part 2 - Remote Sensing the Spread of Buffel and the Influence of UMAs

We are using remote sensing to gather data on the spread of buffel grass and the influence of UMAs. Coupled with extensive field research, these data will provide a policy-relevant format for exploring scientific aspect of land use and development plans.

Part 3 - Integration via Systems Models

Dynamic systems models link ecological, socioeconomic and policy dynamics. They can be used as an explanatory tool for conveying complex dynamics of ecological-economic systems, and as an analytical tool for assessing likely outcomes of policy alternatives. For UMAs in Sonora, they integrate influences on and effects of changing patterns in land use due to the unrelated but interacting policies concerning buffel grass planting and invasions, and the restoration and management of native plant communities.

Native thorn-scrub habitat

Meeting with researchers

Learning about the habitat

Constructing a field exclosure

Satellite imagery and analysis