NRES 348 — Lec 8: Grassland Habitat Management

How much of Illinois was originally covered by prairie?

About 61% (21 million acres), but only 0.01% of original prairie remains.

What is the difference between prairie & grassland?

Prairie is a native grassland ecosystem with diverse native plants, while grassland can also include human-modified areas like pastures & hayfields.

Why are grassland wildlife species declining?

Habitat loss, fragmentation, smaller habitat patches, changes in land use, & reduced habitat quality.

What is area sensitivity in grassland species?

Some species require large, continuous areas of grassland to survive & reproduce successfully.

How does habitat fragmentation affect grassland wildlife?

It creates smaller, isolated patches with more edges, reducing suitable habitat & connectivity.

How have changes in agricultural practices affected grassland wildlife?

Increased monocultures, clean farming, loss of hedgerows, & changes in moving & grazing reduce habitat & protective cover.

Why is mowing timing important for grassland birds?

Mowing during breeding season can destroy nests & harm young birds, reducing reproductive success.

Why is disturbance important for prairie management?

Disturbances help maintain grassland ecosystems, prevent woody vegetation from taking over, & support habitat diversity.

What are common disturbance-based grassland management tools?

Prescribed burning, mowing, disking, herbicides, & grazing (including bison).

What are the main goals of grassland habitat management?

Increase habitat size, structural diversity, connectivity, & habitat quality while controlling woody vegetation & grazing intensity.

Why are prescribed burns used in prairie restoration?

They help maintain prairie habitat by limiting woody vegetation & supporting ecological processes.

Why is habitat heterogeneity important?

Different habitat structures & conditions support different wildlife species & increase biodiversity.