Foraging behaviour of free-ranging native ponies used in conservation grazing

Perera, W. and Goodwin, D. (2004) Foraging behaviour of free-ranging native ponies used in conservation grazing. Hänninen, Laura and Valros, Anna (eds.) In Proceedings of the 38th International Congress of the ISAE. ISAE 2004. p.166 .

Abstract

This project aims to investigate foraging behaviour of New Forest ponies grazing two sites on the Isle of Wight. Conservation grazing presents a management regime for maintaining ecologically sensitive habitats. However, a clear understanding of the foraging behaviour of the species used is essential, as grazing, trampling, defecation and urination affect biodiversity. Previous studies have provided information on habitat use, food and feeding behaviour of New Forest ponies grazing the New Forest. This year-long project is ongoing until October 2004, with two study groups managing two sites of nature conservation interest (one SSSI and one SINC). Site 1 has a non-breeding herd of 10 individuals. Site 2 has a non-breeding herd of 7 individuals. Behaviour has been sampled at 1-minute intervals in three 1-hour periods (1 hour after sunset, 1 hour at midday and 1 hour prior to sunset) on four days per season per site. Data on locations of individuals, habitat and environmental conditions at the time of sampling were recorded. Initial winter results indicate that dispersal across the sites was contagious (Site 1 mean =0.31 >variance = 8.227, Site 2 mean =0.13 >variance = 2.212) with variety of vegetation within the sites affecting the range of the two groups and forage selected. Habitat preference has been assessed using a modification of Hunter’s Index of Preference. Preference selection values at Site 1 were +0.4901for Dry Heathland (dominated by Calluna vulgaris) and -0.3539 for Deciduous Woodland, (dominated by Quercus robur with little ground cover). At the more exposed Site 2, preference selection values were +0.6386 for Gorsebreak (dominated by Ulex europaeus) and -0.0429 for Dry Heathland. Selection appears based on an interaction between shelter and forage preferences This abstract presents the first season’s data only. Habitat selection is likely to vary with changes in season, environmental conditions and vegetation productivity.

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